In a crosswind situation, which aircraft has priority?

In a crosswind situation, the aircraft on the inside of the pattern has priority primarily due to the dynamics of handling during such conditions. When aircraft are in a traffic pattern, those that are closer to the turn towards the runway (the inside) typically have a clearer path for landing or takeoff maneuvers.

The inside aircraft is often more aligned with the runway's centerline, while the outside aircraft may have a wider turn, increasing their likelihood of encountering turbulence or difficulty maintaining their intended flight path. This prioritization helps to enhance safety, as the aircraft on the inside can establish their landing approach without having to navigate the wider arc that the outside aircraft must take, which can be especially critical in crosswind situations where maintaining control and alignment with the runway becomes much more complex.

Additionally, traffic management and standard procedures dictate that the inside aircraft should be given priority to ensure a smooth and efficient flow of landing and takeoff operations, reducing the risk of conflicts between aircraft in the pattern.