In short: In the wing-low method, also called the sideslip technique, you use rudder to keep the airplane’s longitudinal axis aligned with the centerline and aileron into the wind to stop drift. Rod Machado prefers it over holding a crab to touchdown because it is easier, and easier is better.
Video: “The “Wing Low” Method of Crosswind Landing” by Rod Machado, from his YouTube channel.
What you’ll learn
- Why Rod considers the wing-low method easier than the crab method near touchdown
- How to transition from a crab on final to a sideslip as the roundout begins
- Why touching down on the upwind main wheel first is normal and expected
- How to gently lower the downwind wheel and then the nose wheel
- Why aileron input into the wind keeps increasing as you slow on the rollout
From crab to sideslip
Rod explains that on final you can hold a crab into the wind, then switch to the wing-low method as you begin the roundout and flare, or a little before if you prefer. You roll in aileron toward the wind, which lets adverse yaw swing the nose slightly the other way, then add enough opposite rudder to line the nose up with the runway.
The goal is simple: deflect the control wheel into the wind until the airplane stops drifting, and use the rudder pedals to keep the nose pointed straight down the centerline. When the sideways movement from the slip matches the wind drift, the airplane tracks the centerline. Because the gear touches down aligned with the direction of travel, the main landing gear avoids excessive side loads.
One wheel first, then the rest
A sideslip means you touch down on the upwind main wheel, and Rod stresses that this is perfectly fine. As the airplane loses momentum, the downwind wheel settles toward the runway. Be ready to add a bit more aileron into the wind so it lowers gently, then let the nose wheel come down last, all while keeping directional control with the rudder.
The video includes real landing footage in both right and left crosswinds, showing pilots holding the upwind wheel on the ground and easing the other one down. Rod also notes that, just as with a crab, you may need to increase the bank into the wind slightly as speed decreases during the flare, and that adjusting a slip is easier than trying to increase a crab angle at that moment.
Keep flying it on the rollout
Once both mains are down, keep the aileron deflected into the wind so the upwind wing doesn’t rise. Rod points out this is the same control input you learned for taxiing in a crosswind. Because ailerons lose effectiveness as you slow, it often takes full deflection into the wind during the ground roll to keep that wing down and the airplane on the runway.
Go deeper with Rod Machado
The video is excerpted from Rod’s How to Fly an Airplane eCourse, and his course dedicated to takeoffs and landings is a natural next step if you want more help with the flare and touchdown. Learn more in The Art of Takeoffs and Landings eCourse.
Looking for a flight instructor or flight school near you? Browse instructors and training programs on Skyfarer.
Affiliate disclosure: Skyfarer may earn a commission from qualifying purchases via our links. This funds our content for pilots.
