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From: marcum@rhino.UUCP (Alan M. Marcum)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: Practical advice from those more exp
Message-ID: <261@rhino.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 21-Dec-84 11:41:36 EST
Article-I.D.: rhino.261
Posted: Fri Dec 21 11:41:36 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 23-Dec-84 07:59:18 EST
References: <159@gcc-opus.UUCP> <59200009@trsvax.UUCP> 
Reply-To: marcum@rhino.UUCP (Alan M. Marcum)
Organization: Fortune Customer Support
Lines: 38

First, regarding "Demonstrated Crosswind Component": RTFM (Read
The (umm, ...) Flying Manual)!  In some planes, you might
consider it a conservative statement; in others, it is considered
limiting (an example of the latter is a Beach Debonair).

Second, regarding landing in gusting crosswinds: an experience I
had during primary training has left me in good stead; I'll pass
it on.

One December Monday, I was up with my instructor for some pattern
work.  It was a strong, gusty, variable wind -- don't remember
the numbers, but do remember the challenge.  We were working at
Palo Alto (PAO); the wind was favoring 12, which has no VASI
(VASI only on 30 there).  EVERY time around the patch, as we
turned final and continued on, it was like dancing -- quick with
the footwork, co-ordinate the hands, keep that centerline, all
that rot.  I took that attitude that I had about a 50-50 chance
of putting the bird down, and I was very ready to take it around
again.  (I now treat every landing in a similar fashion -- "I'm
taking this thing around.......oh, gee, it looks so good I think
I'll set it down!)

One circuit I remember in particular, we were down to about 8
feet or so, holding centerline, and this gust hits.  Very
quickly, the right edge of the runway had become the centerline. 
Full power, carb heat off, nose up, flaps 10.  Rather interesting.

The technique I used that day, and still use, has been mentioned
already: come in a bit hot, with less flaps.  I usually increase
my airspeed on final by 50% of the gust component (eg. if winds
are 20 gusting to 30, add about 5 KIAS).  If the wind is real
gusty, come in without flaps in a 152 or 172 (though NOT in a 210
without LOTS and LOTS of runway!).  Check the Pilot's Operating
Manual, and get with an instructor who knows that airplane if you
have questions.
-- 
Alan M. Marcum		Fortune Systems, Redwood City, California
...!{ihnp4, ucbvax!amd, hpda, sri-unix, harpo}!fortune!rhino!marcum