CROSSWIND HELPER
Avionics
Stack
Runway 270°
Wind Dir Source
Speed Velocity
kt
5°10°15°20°25°30°35°40°45°50°55°60°
180° TAILWIND
27 270°

Drag or tap the dial to adjust the wind angle interactively.

Instinct Estimate
15 kt Crosswind

Angle Off Center: 45° (Right side)

1. Clock Mapping 45° off = 45 mins
2. Hour Fraction 3/4 of hour
3. Estimation 3/4 × 20 kt = 15 kt
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Land Scenario Task
Runway 27
Wind Source 315°
Velocity 20 kt
Crosswind Component Estimate using the Clockface rule.
kt

The Aviation Clockface Estimation Method

In aviation, pilots calculate crosswind components swiftly during the descent checklist or when receiving wind updates from ATC. The Clockface Rule of Thumb leverages the 60-minute dial layout of a clock to approximate relative sine values up to 60 degrees.

Rule of Thumb Matrix
15° Off 15 Min (1/4) 25% Wind
30° Off 30 Min (1/2) 50% Wind
45° Off 45 Min (3/4) 75% Wind
60°+ Off 60 Min (Full) 100% Wind
1

Angular Difference: Find the offset angle between your runway heading and the incoming wind direction. (e.g. Runway 27 is 270°, wind direction is 315°, difference is 45°).

2

Map Degrees to Clock Minutes: Map the angle directly as "minutes" on the clock (e.g., 45° = 45 minutes). 45 minutes = three-quarters (3/4) of a complete hour.

3

Estimate Crosswind: Multiply that fraction by the overall wind speed. If velocity is 20 kt, 3/4 × 20 kt = 15 kt crosswind component.