A system and method for controlling a variable inlet geometry mechanism of an aircraft engine. At least one first input signal indicative of at least one operating parameter of an aircraft engine is received. At least one second input signal indicative of a level of crosswind experienced by the aircraft and of an airspeed of the aircraft being below a predetermined threshold is received. A schedule is determined for positioning a the variable inlet geometry mechanism based on the at least one first input signal and of the at least one second input signal. The variable inlet geometry mechanism is then positioned in accordance with the schedule.