Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84 (Fortune 01.1b1); site rhino.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!sdcsvax!sdcrdcf!hplabs!hpda!fortune!rhino!marcum 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