What is the recommended flap setting for strong or gusty crosswinds?

The recommended flap setting for strong or gusty crosswinds is typically to use a moderate setting, such as 10 degrees. This is because a lower flap setting reduces the aircraft's sensitivity to wind changes and improves control authority during critical phases of flight, such as landing and takeoff. When gusty winds are present, too much lift from higher flap settings can complicate handling and make it easier for the aircraft to become over-controlled by sudden wind shifts.

Using 10 degrees of flaps strikes a balance. It provides enough lift to help the aircraft land more slowly and safely while minimizing the adverse effects of wind, allowing for more manageable control inputs. This strategy helps pilots maintain a stable approach and landing while maintaining an adequate margin of control in difficult operating conditions.

In contrast, higher flap settings like 15 degrees or full flaps may increase lift too much in turbulent crosswinds, which can lead to difficulties in maintaining control as the aircraft is more affected by sudden wind changes. Minimal flap settings can also lead to a higher speed during the landing approach, which might not be ideal in gusty conditions. Therefore, opting for 10 degrees of flaps is generally considered the best practice in such scenarios.