Cross-wind fun

[flyguy]

We have a pattern around here where in the summer the wind comes in from the coast thru the pass and gets to us about 2 or three in the PM. When it gets here the wind changes from gentle down the runway to about 20 kts across the runway.
I went out too late today and got caught by it. Went around once as it was just changing directions as I was on final. Settled to a steady 14 kts across by the time I got around. I wasn't sure it was enough to stop me if I decided to go for the taxi turn off and helipad that is right into the 50* crosswind, so I just puckered up and put it on the main runway. It was really pushing hard with the right wing up in the air and the left wheel down, full aileron, lots of rudder. It was a fight, but the ole' girl did everything I asked her to do and it was actually pretty uneventful. I would swear that the slip or something made the flare a lot smoother. Didn't want to float at all, although I did have her slowed down pretty good coming over the lights.
Anyway that is the most crosswind I've ever done in a taildragger and it's a good feeling to know we can do that much if necessary.
Darryl

[astjp2]

Re: Cross-wind fun

It sounds like FUN----NOT, but at least you got down safe. Tim

[AndyDuke]

Re: Cross-wind fun

Cross winds can be fun. Try landing across the runway or at least removing some of the cross wind component by angling across the runway. You will soon find that a 40m (50 yard) wide runway is ample to cope with 15-20 kts across.

I've seen Rob Lees land, stop and take off on a 40m wide runway with 30kts of wind directly across - very impressive!

[flyguy]

Re: Cross-wind fun

Yeah Andy, I do use that technique. I landed my straight tailed 172 every night for 2 months commuting with something like 22+ kts gusting most of the time. It was more difficult to taxi back with it than the landing, but I had never challenged our PM hurricane with the Taylorcraft. I would always do the safer thing and put it down on the turnoff and helipad that is what is left of an old runway. It is exactly 270* and the afternoon express comes right down it. Some fool bureacrat must have plowed up about 3/4's of it years ago when they started building houses at the end. Some guys say there was never a runway there, but I have seen it on old city maps and it is pretty obvious as what is left of it is exactly lined up with the afternoon wind. (I would like to find an old picture from the 40's that showed the cross runway)
With a 30 kt 90* wind would you not be flying crabbed very close to a 45* angle at touchdown speed. (I know you don't do it that way, of course.) It is so amusing when I use the cross wind helipad that I hardly have to turn to line up with it when the wind is really blowing.
DC

[tawadc95]

Re: Cross-wind fun

love crosswinds!! so does my tcraft.

[Len Petterson]

Re: Cross-wind fun

Love for crosswind, no but a greath deal of respect!
Len

[tawadc95]

Re: Cross-wind fun

can't help but love them as I learn something new every time!
Love to learn more about flying!