Amazing 737 pilot skills battling high winds

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Fri Aug 9, 2019

This video captures the amazing pilot skills battling high winds in a Boeing 737 at Madeira Airport. Crosswind landings can be a major challenge for pilots and occur when the wind is across the runway, not head-on. IF you like this video you will love our nostalgia galleries.  WATCH Boeing 777X taxi tests Thi video is taken by: @PaulinhoFariaa https://twitter.com/i/status/1157377577088094208 Typically aircraft land and take-off into the wind to decrease the landing or take-off distance. In some cases aircraft land with a slight downwind component – typically associated with noise-sensitive airports where one runway is preferred over another. Where a pilot faces a crosswind landing they need to point the aircraft in the direction of the wind while maintaining a straight course toward the runway. This is called crabbing or yawing. In strong crosswinds, the pilot may also dip the wing – sideslip – into the direction of the wind. Just before touchdown pilots apply rudder to bring the plane – and its undercarriage – back so it is aligned straight down the centre line of the runway. This takes great skill and the results – if not done properly – are often quite spectacular as shown in this video.

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
Why Air New Zealand is leading on airline accessibility
Airline News

Why Air New Zealand is leading on airline accessibility

Jun 22, 2026

Josh Wood
STARLUX vs Delta Airlines from Taipai to North America and beyond
Airline News

STARLUX vs Delta Airlines from Taipai to North America and beyond

Jun 19, 2026

Sharon Petersen
Cast your vote for the world's best airlines in the 2026 Flyers Choice Awards
Airline News

Cast your vote for the world's best airlines in the 2026 Flyers Choice Awards

Jun 18, 2026

Airline Ratings
The Air India 171 crash one year on
Airline News

The Air India 171 crash one year on

Jun 11, 2026

Sharon Petersen

Featured articles

View more
The Air India 171 crash one year on
Airline News

The Air India 171 crash one year on

Jun 11, 2026

Sharon Petersen
Cast your vote for the world's best airlines in the 2026 Flyers Choice Awards
Airline News

Cast your vote for the world's best airlines in the 2026 Flyers Choice Awards

Jun 18, 2026

Airline Ratings
STARLUX vs Delta Airlines from Taipai to North America and beyond
Airline News

STARLUX vs Delta Airlines from Taipai to North America and beyond

Jun 19, 2026

Sharon Petersen
Malaysia Airlines vs Singapore Airlines Economy: Whos the better choice  from Australia and beyond?
Airline News

Malaysia Airlines vs Singapore Airlines Economy: Whos the better choice from Australia and beyond?

Jun 11, 2026

Sharon Petersen