Estimate crosswind and headwind components using wind direction, speed, and runway heading. Based on vector dot product method for precise aviation calculations.
This calculator decomposes wind velocity into crosswind and headwind/tailwind components relative to the runway heading. It uses vector mathematics (dot product) to accurately determine the angle between wind direction and runway orientation.
Key concepts: Crosswind is perpendicular to the runway (affects landing stability), headwind/tailwind is parallel (affects ground speed). Positive crosswind = from left, negative = from right.
Formula: θ = |Runway - Wind Direction| (shortest angle). Crosswind = Speed × sin(θ). Headwind = Speed × cos(θ).