Immediately after liftoff in a crosswind, what should you do?

After liftoff in a crosswind, keeping the airplane in a sideslip is essential for maintaining control and ensuring safe flight. In a sideslip configuration, the aircraft is banked slightly toward the wind while using rudder input to maintain straight flight. This helps counteract the tendency of the airplane to drift or be pushed off course by the wind, allowing the pilot to maintain the desired flight path.

This technique is particularly important during the initial climb phase when the aircraft is at a relatively low altitude and speed. The sideslip helps to keep the wings level and reduces the risk of losing control as the aircraft transitions from ground to flight.

Establishing a normal climb can be misleading in a crosswind situation without first addressing the drift caused by the wind. Turning sharply into the wind too early can lead to loss of control or stalling, especially if the turn is not coordinated properly. Similarly, reducing power without understanding the situation can lead to an undesired descent or loss of airspeed, making the aircraft more susceptible to wind effects. Thus, maintaining a sideslip is the most effective and safest response immediately after liftoff in a crosswind.