Definition 1 of 2
Definition
A crosswind correction technique in which the airplane's nose is turned into the wind so that the longitudinal axis is offset from the intended ground track, while the wings remain level. The angle into the wind is set so that the resulting sideways drift exactly cancels the wind's push, allowing the airplane to track straight over the ground even though it is not pointed where it is going.
Plain English
Pointing the nose slightly into the wind, with wings level, so the wind pushes the airplane sideways just enough to keep it tracking straight along the runway centerline or desired course.
Context Anchor
Used during crosswind approaches, especially on final approach when the pilot is trying to stay lined up with the runway centerline.
Derivation
Named after the way a crab walks sideways. The airplane is moving forward over the ground but pointed off to one side, so its motion looks similar to a crab's sideways scuttle.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the airplane on the runway centerline in a crosswind without banking, which reduces the chance of a wingtip strike or loss of directional control at touchdown.
Analogy
It is like walking toward a door while a strong wind pushes from the side: you may aim your body slightly into the wind so your actual path stays straight toward the door.
Intuition Check
Crab does not mean the airplane is sliding sideways through the air. It means the nose is angled into the wind so the airplane’s path over the ground stays where the pilot wants it.
Example Sentence 1
With a strong left crosswind on final, the pilot established a crab into the wind to track the extended centerline.
Example Sentence 2
As the airplane entered the flare the pilot removed the crab and transitioned to a sideslip so the wheels touched down straight.