College

With a reported wind from the south at 20 knots, which runway is appropriate for an airplane with a 13-knot maximum crosswind component?

A. Runway 24
B. Runway 14
C. Runway 10

Answer :

To determine the appropriate runway for an airplane with a 13-knot maximum crosswind component, we need to calculate the crosswind component for each possible runway. The reported wind is from the south at 20 knots. Here's how we do it:

1. Understand the Wind Direction and Speed:
- The wind is coming from the south, which is 180 degrees.
- The wind speed is 20 knots.

2. Calculate the Crosswind Component for Each Runway:

- Runway 24:
- This runway is oriented at 240 degrees.
- The difference in direction between the wind (180 degrees) and runway 24 is 60 degrees (240 - 180).
- Using this angle, the crosswind component can be calculated as approximately 17.32 knots.

- Runway 14:
- This runway is oriented at 140 degrees.
- The difference between the wind (180 degrees) and runway 14 is 40 degrees (180 - 140).
- With this angle, the crosswind component is approximately 12.86 knots.

- Runway 10:
- This runway is oriented at 100 degrees.
- The difference in direction between the wind (180 degrees) and runway 10 is 80 degrees (180 - 100).
- For this angle, the crosswind component is about 19.70 knots.

3. Compare Crosswind Components with Maximum Allowance:
- The airplane can handle a maximum crosswind component of 13 knots.
- Runway 24 has a crosswind component of 17.32 knots, which exceeds the limit.
- Runway 10 has a crosswind component of 19.70 knots, which also exceeds the limit.
- Runway 14 has a crosswind component of 12.86 knots, which is within the acceptable range.

Therefore, Runway 14 is the appropriate choice, as it provides a crosswind component the airplane can safely handle, staying below the maximum of 13 knots.