Wind Calculator
This FREE tool is brought you by PPL Club. It should be used as guidance only and must not replace a full and detailed weather plan from the Met Office.
Calculating Crosswind and Headwind
Calculating the crosswind and headwind component is a fundamental skill for safe flight operations. A misjudged crosswind or an unexpected tailwind is a significant factor in many runway incidents. This simple wind calculator is designed to give you a quick, visual breakdown of the wind's effect on your aircraft, helping you make fast and accurate decisions.
Whether you're planning a flight or doing a pre-landing check, this tool helps you instantly verify that the conditions are within both your personal limits and the aircraft's demonstrated crosswind limit as stated in the POH/AFM.
How to use the Calculator
Using the tool is straightforward. Simply input the wind conditions and your runway of intended use:
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Wind Direction (True): Enter the wind direction in degrees true, as you would find on a METAR or TAF.
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Wind Speed (kts): Input the wind speed in knots.
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Runway: Enter the runway designator (e.g., 09 for runway 090°, or 27 for runway 270°).
The calculator will instantly compute the angular difference and display the precise Crosswind and Headwind/Tailwind components in knots. A positive headwind/tailwind value indicates a headwind, while a negative value (e.g., -5 kts) indicates a tailwind.
Guidance Only
This calculator is provided as a free tool to aid situational awareness. It is for guidance purposes only and must not replace a full and detailed weather plan from the Met Office or calculations from an approved Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). Always verify your performance and limitations using your official flight planning tools.