Crosswind Component

Compute head/tail + crosswind components given runway heading and wind direction.

Calculator Aviation Updated Apr 19, 2026
How to Use
  1. Enter runway magnetic heading.
  2. Enter wind direction (from) and speed.
  3. Head/tail and cross components appear.
Inputs
Components

Formulas

Angle off
θ = wind_dir − runway_hdg (signed)
Headwind
W · cos(θ) — positive head, negative tail
Crosswind
W · sin(θ) — right if positive
Max demonstrated
Check AFM — many GA aircraft 15–20 kt

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