Which one of the following is the correct maximum crosswind for landing?

• A. 30 Knots
• B. 28 Knots
• C. 25 Knots
• D. 32 Knots

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that the maximum crosswind for landing is the highest crosswind component the airplane is certified to handle during a normal approach and touchdown. This limit comes from certification tests and is published in the aircraft’s flight manual as the landing crosswind limit. It represents the point at which the airplane’s handling qualities, rudder authority, braking, and pilot workload are deemed sufficient to maintain control on the runway.

For the CRJ-550, the published maximum crosswind for landing is 30 knots. This means that, under standard conditions, a normal approach and landing can be performed with a crosswind up to 30 knots without exceeding the certification envelope. Gusts are taken into account in planning with standard procedures, but the official limit remains 30 knots.

Values below that limit are permissible (they’re within the certified envelope), while values above it would not be authorized for a normal landing. That’s why 30 knots is the correct maximum crosswind for landing.