I like the alternate instructor idea.

Here is a cheaper idea that worked for me and is, in my opinion just as good. I run X-Plane 8.32, but it should work on other flight sims. Crank in some heavy winds, say 15-25 kts. at about a 60 degree angle to the runway, and practice on the sim until you can really control the flight path and stability of the aircraft on roundout. I hasten to add, this is a practice thing and if you have not already learned the basics of crosswind techniques you will have to learn them first at least theoretically. Flight sim practice solidifies flight skills, but does not teach the basics.

As for the basics of crosswind approaches: crab to maintain centerline of runway while away from the airport. When getting close to the touch down zone, transfer your flight configuration over to a sideslip. Your upwind wing will be low compared to the downwind wing. Your rudder will be cross-controlled in order to maintain alignment with the runway.

Don't use flaps at any time during crosswind approaches if the winds are strong. Keeping flaps up to minimizes the tendency to buff up and down and keeps wingloading high. A C172 can be landed with no flaps.

Touch the upwind wheel first, followed by the downwind wheel, followed by the nosewheel as usual. Raise the upwind aileron gradually as you roundout, and the air loads decrease. This will protect against gusts.

Speedwise, use slightly faster speeds than in non-crosswind approaches. This for a 172 might be 60 kts. toward the time of touchdown. This gives the airplane more momentum to deal with gusts and enables not using flaps.

One more point that seems relevant- crosswinds are best studied in taildraggers. I did not know how to use the rudder until I got a tailwheel endorsement. Tricycles are so forgiving of poor technique in landings, most new pilots have no idea what the rudder can do for directional control.

 

Can you really use X-Plane to practice landings? I use it frequently to simulate instrument approaches and procedures, but I find it to be unrealistic when it comes to landings. My flare is always awful in X-Plane or Flight Simulator.

 

For it to be worthwhile you would want to have a set of CHProducts pedals, a throttle quadrant, and a joystick. Without rudder pedals it's useless for practicing crosswinds.

This points up a key thing about landing in a flight sim, you can't see very well. Switch to "chase" view so you can see what your airplane is doing. Even though there are no g forces, no control response, and not much sound the flight model is valid in regard to wind and overall aircraft behavior.

 

I can see that, but I really can't justify rudders and a throttle quad right now. I still think it is a great tool for instrument training.

 

Fly the airplane until you taxi off and come to a full stop. All too often students will start the flare, and take all the correction out. Also let the plane fly until it doesn't want to. Once you land in a cross wind, start putting in the aileron as you slow down. This is especially important in high wing aircraft.

 

My landings sucked until I stopped listening to my instructor and just did what I thought I needed to do. Now, obviously, I did not disregard his instruction, but I needed to just fly the airplane and do what needed to be done. It is hard to explain but the landing is finesse. That is something that is difficult to teach. It is one reason why NAVY pilots suck at landings. (Flame on!) Just kidding guys. There is no room for finesse on a carrier landing. You fly the numbers and plant it. If you want to qualify, that's what you do.

Anyone can land. A GREAT landing takes lots of small, fast movements in the last few seconds. (and some good luck) It is difficult to teach that. You have to trust yourself and do the movements you know you need to do. Fly the airplane until it is on the ground, like Pilotpip says. Never give up and just hope for the best. Something tells me you have had a few landings like that.