Final answer:
To have a velocity parallel to the runway, the airplane must fly at an angle relative to the air mass. Trigonometry can be used to calculate this angle. The pilot may need to make last-minute maneuvers to ensure a straight landing.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order for an airplane to have a velocity parallel to the runway, it must fly at an angle relative to the air mass. This angle is determined by the direction of the runway, the wind speed and direction, and the speed of the plane relative to the air mass.
To calculate the angle, you can use trigonometry. For example, if the wind blows directly from the side (perpendicular to the runway), the angle can be calculated using the inverse tangent function. The angle is equal to the inverse tangent of the wind speed divided by the speed of the plane relative to the air mass.
Once the plane is aligned with the runway, the pilot may need to make last-minute maneuvers to ensure that the plane lands with its wheels pointing straight down the runway. This may involve adjusting the plane's pitch and yaw to counteract any crosswind and maintain a steady descent.