With a reported wind of north at 20 knots, which runway, based on a maximum crosswind component of 13 knots, is acceptable for use?

To determine the appropriate runway for takeoff or landing with a reported wind from the north at 20 knots, it is essential to assess the alignment of the runway with the wind direction and calculate the crosswind component for each runway option.

Runway 36 is aligned directly into the wind from the north, which means that the wind acts head-on, providing no crosswind component. As a result, if you were to utilize Runway 36 for takeoff or landing, you would not be exceeding the maximum crosswind component limit of 13 knots, since the wind is directly in front of the aircraft.

In contrast, the other runways—6, 29, and 32—would present varying degrees of crosswind due to their orientations relative to the north wind. For example, Runway 6 would have a significant crosswind, as it runs southeast, potentially leading to a crosswind component that exceeds the maximum safe limit specified. Therefore, they could represent a risk when operating under the crosswind limitations.

Choosing Runway 36 aligns with safe operating conditions concerning wind direction and ensures that the pilot remains within acceptable limits for crosswind operations. This is critical for maintaining control of the aircraft during takeoff and landing, especially in gust