x-wind landings on big jets
Almost always I have seen big jets like the 757, 747, 737 using the crab method on x-wind landings. Why not use the down wing method instead? Is the crab method more preferable than the down wing method? Also, at the last minute when the rudder is being kicked to align the nose with the centerline, I have noticed that sometimes the nose isn't exactly aligned with the runway. I see some side loading. Are landing gears on big jets designed to be "twisted" like this without causing damage? On a 172 you really feel the side load and it is no bueno as you know.