Today's lesson x-wind landings

[dmcummins]

It been a few weeks since I've been up due to weather and vacation. The flight started out with 6knot winds out of the east. So pretty calm and we go out and practice steep turns and stalls. On the way back the wind has picked up to 31knot gust out of SW. Great, I need work on my landings but the wind is nocking the 172 around quite a bit. So this is my first crosswind landing, I've got the wing leaning into the wind and the rudder to the floor. Still getting hit with gust but lined up ok. Landing had a little bounce to it and was a little squirly going down the runway, but I was happy. The CFI said I let the airspeed get a little low just before landing.

Then he looked at me and asked if I wanted to go again. Well I figure if he is game so am I. The next one was better, then he went in and canceled his next lesson.

I'm up to 11 hours now. Hopefully the weather will be better on wednesday.

[KarlCarrera]

Good for you!

When I was learning at Meadowlake Airport (north and East of the Springs) it seemed like every landing was a cross wind......:>)

Good for YOU!

Karl
88 Targa

[cairns]

I flew (or should say was flown) into Milford Sound in NZ last week in a Cessna 206. Nasty crosswinds varying up to 20 knots or so coming from one side as we came down and the opposite just as we flared....the pilot crabbed all the way in, pumped right rudder at the last gust and put her down beautifully.

Damn I wish the wife would let me fly....

[Tim Hancock]

I am sure your instructor has covered it, but I always come in a bit hot on gusty days so that if the gust stops, I still have enough airspeed to be able to keep the bottom from falling out.

Sounds like you are getting the hang of it! Congrats!

[Embraer]

yep...add that gust factor

[Zeke]

I'm not a pilot but if you had all the rudder there was it seems that is as close to the edge of control you want to experience. Me, I probably would have second guessed the instructor and taxied off to the hangar.

[gshase]

Call these guys at 1800WXBRIEF before you go, In the DFW area today was 18 gust to 32 so I elected not to go.

[MT930]

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

I am sure your instructor has covered it, but I always come in a bit hot on gusty days so that if the gust stops, I still have enough airspeed to be able to keep the bottom from falling out.

Sounds like you are getting the hang of it! Congrats!

Excellent

Crosswind landings are great they really help you understand the wind is bigger than you are.

Work with crosswinds they always win. Carry 5 Knots more in a 172 is a good idea in gusty winds.

Use your ailerons when taxiing to keep the wind from picking up a wing.

[dmcummins]

I guess I need to watch my airspeed more. I usually check on base and try for around 75-80. On final I'm just trying to line up with the runway, I don't look at the guages much. I'm low from time to time, but just give it a little throttle to get me there.

I'm pretty sure my instructor has seen it all and would not have let me go back up if he though it was a problem. I think he actually enjoyed it. He has been in business since 68, and turns 77 this year. He stays pretty calm in the right seat.

[crustychief]

It sounds as though you are having fun. I agree with the gust compensation, that can be a little scary when the plane quits flying before you are ready to quit.

[Don Plumley]

Originally Posted by crustychief

It sounds as though you are having fun. I agree with the gust compensation, that can be a little scary when the plane quits flying before you are ready to quit.

This is a great video - watched it the other day...

[MT930]