Under a Runway Use Program in effect, the crosswind component for the selected runway must not exceed what value unless approval is given?

• A. 5 KT
• B. 7 KT
• C. 15 KT
• D. 20 KT

Answer: (D)

Under a Runway Use Program, the crosswind component that affects the aircraft on the chosen runway is kept at twenty knots or less. This safety threshold reflects what most pilots and aircraft can handle during landing or takeoff, helping maintain control and reduce the risk of runway excursions or loss of directional control.

If the expected crosswind would exceed twenty knots, approval can be sought to use that runway anyway. Such approval factors in the specific aircraft type, pilot experience, current braking action, runway surface conditions, and overall safety considerations. Without that approval, you would select a runway with a crosswind component at or below twenty knots.

Remember, crosswind component is the sideways wind effect relative to the runway, not the full wind speed, which is why the limit is stated in knots of crosswind rather than total wind.