What technique should be used to compensate for drift during crosswind landing conditions?

In crosswind landing conditions, using a crab technique followed by a sideslip is the most effective way to compensate for drift. When approaching the runway in a crosswind, the aircraft will naturally be pushed off its intended flight path due to the wind. The crab technique involves angles the aircraft into the wind, allowing you to maintain a straight approach while compensating for the drift.

As you near the runway, transitioning to a sideslip helps to align the aircraft with the runway. During the sideslip, you keep the upwind wing slightly lower than the other wing, which counteracts the wind’s push and allows for a precise landing. This method provides better control during the final stages of landing, ensuring that the aircraft touches down on the runway centerline.

Maintaining a constant heading or landing without adjustments would result in the aircraft drifting off the intended landing path, which can lead to a potential accident. Using just a sideslip without the initial crab would not adequately address the wind's influence throughout the approach. Thus, employing both the crab and a subsequent sideslip maximizes control and safety during crosswind landings.