The A380’s Crosswind “Decrab”

Ever notice how an A380 flies sideways on approach in windy 💨💨conditions, then straightens out at the last second?

That’s decrabbing.

We point the nose into the wind to track the centerline, sometimes 15+ degrees off runway heading. Then just before touchdown, we kick the rudder to align the nose while holding the wings level with aileron.

On the A380, with its 261-foot wingspan, it’s especially dramatic. Looks aggressive from the ground.

From the flight deck? Just another day at work.