Jim Carter wrote:
Watching the videos of the heavies crabbing to a landing in high cross winds
prompts me to ask: why don't they use asymmetrical thrust instead of
kicking it straight in the flare?

Even in a single, why don't we see more forward slips to a landing instead
of crab, kick, and pray?

Have these techniques gone the way of the steam gauges?


Using differential thrust would be asking for disaster.

The proper technique is fly the crab just as you would do an an ILS
localizer to remain on course during a crosswind. It is not a crab;
rather, a coordinated flight wind correction (track vs heading.

Then, as the flare begins down aileron is placed into the wind as the
opposite rudder is used to align the nose with the runway. If down
correctly, the wings remain level as the aircraft touches down, thus
preventing an engine pod from scraping the runway.

It wasn't always taught this way, but has since at least 1980, or so.
It had to be demonstrated on rating rides in the simulator with maximum
certified crosswind for the airplane.