Final answer:
Flight crews add a wind correction during an approach by calculating the wind correction angle using the crosswind component and the aircraft's heading relative to the air mass. They aim for the ground track to be parallel to the runway, and last-minute maneuvers like crabbing or side-slips ensure the wheels align with the runway upon landing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a flight crew is preparing for an approach with a crosswind, they must calculate the necessary wind correction angle to ensure their track is aligned with the runway. This involves determining the wind's speed and direction, as well the aircraft's airspeed. A common method to calculate the wind correction angle is to use the crosswind component and the heading of the aircraft relative to the air mass. The aim is for the aircraft's ground track to be parallel with the runway despite the wind's influence.
For example, if a plane is approaching a runway and there's a crosswind coming from the left at 20 knots, and the plane's airspeed is 150 knots, the pilot will need to aim slightly into the wind to ensure a straight approach. A trigonometry-based calculation is necessary to find the exact angle required. The formula for the wind correction angle is the arcsine of the crosswind speed divided by the total airspeed.
Further adjustments might include last-minute maneuvers known as crabbing or a side-slip, where the pilot adjusts the yaw of the aircraft just before touchdown to ensure the wheels are aligned with the runway for a safe landing.