Final answer:
The aircraft's lateral acceleration during banking is determined by the lift force that is redirected to provide centripetal force, which is affected by the wind's speed and direction. Pilots must compensate for these factors to maintain proper velocity and to make the necessary maneuvers for landing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acceleration experienced by the aircraft and its pilot in the direction perpendicular to the wing is primarily determined by the lift force due to the force of the air on the wing. When an airplane banks, it means it is tilted to one side to initiate a turn. During this maneuver, part of the lift force that usually acts against gravity to keep the plane aloft is redirected to cause this change in direction. The vertical component of the lift balances the airplane’s weight and the horizontal component provides the centripetal force needed to change the plane’s direction.
This centripetal acceleration is responsible for keeping the plane on its curved path during the turn. It is essential for the pilot to make adjustments depending on the wind's speed and direction, which impact the plane’s total velocity and the angle at which it must be flown to compensate for wind effects.
To land the plane safely, especially in the presence of a crosswind, the pilot must calculate the velocity of the plane relative to the ground and make last-minute maneuvers to ensure the wheels are aligned with the runway for a safe touchdown.