[exabrial]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the whole idea behind the circular part was so that doing a crosswind landing would be "easier", because you could setup the landing so the crosswind pushes your towards the center...

[astrodust]

If the wind cooperates and goes in a single direction during landing, sure, but why does nature have to be so kind?

There can be pretty severe shear at different altitudes on the way down, and the wind can flip direction any time it wants.

[exabrial]

thanks, good explanation