At the flight school dispatch desk or planning room, you’ll often hear it: a group of students and/or instructors gathered around, checking their phones and watch the winds, asking, “Is this too much for me?” or “Can we find another runway better aligned?” The POH lists a demonstrated crosswind component, but that number doesn’t answer the real question.
Demonstrated doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for your current experience level. So how do you decide?
First, think about consistency. Have you landed comfortably in similar winds several times, or just survived once with an instructor poised to jump in? Personal limits should be based on repeatable performance—not a single attempt.
Second, consider the type of wind. A steady 12 knots feels very different from 8 gusting 18. Throw in runway width or length constraints, or maybe a swirling wind, and workload climbs fast.
Third, check your mental margin. If all your focus is on keeping the airplane aligned and under control, there’s little attention left for anything else. When wind is using all your capacity, you’re at your limit.
From an instructor’s perspective, we’re watching more than control inputs. We notice composure, timing, and judgment. Are corrections smooth and accurate? Are you recognizing when things aren’t stabilized? Are you willing to go around if needed?
The airplane might handle more wind than you do right now and that’s okay. Personal minimums aren’t about proving yourself. They’re built gradually, with experience, honesty, and a little humility.
