Which of the following statements about the maximum x-wind component for a contaminated runway is true?

The statement that the maximum crosswind component for a contaminated runway should not exceed 15 knots is grounded in safety considerations during aircraft operations. Contaminated runways, which may be icy or wet due to rain, snow, or other factors, present additional challenges for pilots during takeoff and landing.

A maximum crosswind component of 15 knots is generally recommended as a safe threshold because higher crosswind speeds can significantly increase the risk of losing control, especially when the runway surface is slippery or when aircraft tires struggle to gain adequate grip. This guidance helps to ensure that pilots have enough margin to maintain control of the aircraft while landing or taking off, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

In contrast, other options present varying limits that may exceed safe operational thresholds. While there might be specific aircraft limits or operational considerations that vary, the established guideline of 15 knots serves as a widely accepted safety limit across various aviation operations on contaminated runways.