For clear and dry runways, unless a greater crosswind component is approved by the applicable Flight Standards Office, the crosswind component for the selected runway (including gust value) must NOT be greater than ___ KT.

• A. 5
• B. 7
• C. 15
• D. 20

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is the safe crosswind limit for takeoff and landing on a clear, dry runway. On such runways, the standard maximum crosswind component you may operate with is twenty knots when you include gusts. This limit exists because crosswind makes controlling the airplane during the critical phases of landing and takeoff harder, and a dry surface gives the best chance to manage that crosswind safely. You only move beyond this limit if the applicable Flight Standards Office approves a higher crosswind component for that operation.

So, twenty knots is the best answer because it reflects the default dry-runway limit, with gusts counted. The other numbers would not apply to this specific condition.