eyeingthesky....
I think Bow's right really. Mental load is very high when you are learning.... minimise all the numbers stuff, use visual clues as much as possible.
X-wind landings? I've never used precise calculations as I've turned onto finals and been given the wind speed & dir. I visualise it in my mind, I feel it and see it and I know whther it's going to be out of limits FOR ME (which is perhaps more limiting than the aircraft) to handle.
Besides, you can be given a speed and direction which may be variable... the tower cant tell you what it will do, though they'll have a reasonable idea (in which case they'll say "gusting" or "variable").
And if I shouldnt be flying? OK maybe I'd better stop now after 30+ years PPL-ing without an accident.....(touches as many pieces of wood as he can....)
I like the previous comment about significant landmarks and assessing drift that way... I know many experienced VFR pilots who flight plan for nil wind conditions and then use visual assessment to adjust once they are up, on the basis that the forecast wind is never the same as the actual.
Bet this sets the cat amongst the pidgeons...... <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">