What is the maximum 90-degree crosswind component allowed for takeoff and landing?

• A. 27 knots
• B. 25 knots
• C. 30 knots
• D. 32 knots

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is the demonstrated crosswind component—how much sideways wind the aircraft has been shown, during certification testing, to handle safely for takeoff and landing. When the wind is exactly at 90 degrees to the runway, the crosswind component equals the wind speed. The aircraft’s flight manual publishes the highest crosswind component that was demonstrated during testing, and that value is used as the practical limit for takeoff and landing under standard procedures. For this aircraft, that published limit is 27 knots, which is why this option is the best answer. In practice, pilots still adapt to conditions, technique, and runway surface, but the 27-knot figure is the official demonstrated maximum you’d rely on for planning.