ORIGINAL: TruBlu02
Well i think some of the confusion has come from the fact that we are addressing two different parts, the approach and landing.
Many contributors in this thread are not separating the approach from the touchdown. Here is a sample of some of the things said in this thread, which are very seriously in error and are plain wrong piloting. Planes do not fly this way, should not be piloted this way, and most definitely should not be taught to innocent beginners!
ORIGINAL: speedracerntrixie
Use rudder in the opposite direction that the wind is blowing you. I was practicing my IMAC sequence on Friday with a cross wind and had to hold 1/2 rudder stick to fly a strait pass.
ORIGINAL: TruBlu02
let the plane weathervane into the wind ….. It will naturally do this
ORIGINAL: capo915
heading is controlled with rudder. You can always crab it in like a couple of guys have mentioned but it looks sloppy and you generally, unless you're very proficient, land on something other than the runway. Rudder allows the plane to remain relatively stable on approach
ORIGINAL: lopflyers
Ailerons are useless when you are close to the runnway, in fact they can damage your precious model
ORIGINAL: Flak
I teach using the rudder to turn the airplane,
ORIGINAL: clip100
Here is an easy tip to remember for rudder control on cross wind landings. During final approach and the plane is coming towards you push the Rudder stick where you feel the wind on your face.
ORIGINAL: TruBlu02
The nose will naturally point itself into the wind unless you do something to correct it such as adding rudder and aileron for the flare. So yes a plane will weather vane on its own.
ORIGINAL: TruBlu02
It does not matter what the plane ''feels.'' ...........the plane is going to weathervane into the wind to maintain a proper ground track.