During harsh weather, pilots will determine what control inputs they will require during takeoff. The crosswind might attempt to lift a wing and force the aircraft to move away from the runway heading. Preventing this situation is usually achieved by using the rudder input to keep the plane from rolling.

Pilots handle bad weather through a combination of proactive avoidance, onboard technology, and collaborative decision-making. Long before takeoff, pilots study "METAR" and "TAF" weather reports to identify turbulence, ice, or storms along their route. During the flight, their primary tool is the Multi-Scan Weather Radar, which uses a color-coded display (green, yellow, and red) on the cockpit screens to show the intensity of precipitation and storm cells. Pilots will typically request "deviations" from Air Traffic Control (ATC) to fly 10 to 50 miles around a significant thunderstorm rather than through it. To handle turbulence, they monitor "PIREPs" (reports from other pilots who just flew that path) and adjust their altitude or speed accordingly. For low visibility during landing, modern aircraft are equipped with "Autoland" systems (CAT III ILS) that can land the plane in near-zero visibility using radio beams. If the wind is too strong for a safe landing (exceeding "crosswind limits"), pilots will "Go-Around" and divert to another airport. Ultimately, a pilot's training emphasizes that "there is no shame in a diversion," as safety always takes precedence over the schedule.