If prevailing winds are 10 knots or less, can aircraft land into a crosswind?

The assertion that aircraft cannot land into a crosswind when prevailing winds are 10 knots or less is supported by aviation safety standards and guidelines regarding wind conditions during landing. Specifically, a crosswind component poses challenges for maintaining directional control and stability during the landing phase. Airplanes are designed to handle certain crosswind limits, and those limits can often be exceeded with even moderate winds.

When dealing with crosswinds, there are specific techniques pilots must use, and the aircraft's performance capabilities play a crucial role. Landing into a crosswind, even with light winds, requires careful consideration of the aircraft's handling characteristics and the pilot’s proficiency in managing such situations. Training emphasizes the importance of evaluating the wind conditions carefully, which can lead to the conclusion that aircraft generally should not land in a crosswind—especially if the winds are at or exceed the recommended threshold for the specific aircraft.

The concept is not limited to just one type of aircraft, as it is universally applicable across fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters alike. Therefore, it is important to assess the context of wind conditions before attempting landings, taking into account safety and the aircraft's capabilities.