Yesterday afternoon into early evening was a good time to go brush off the cobwebs on cross-wind landings. Not only were there 70-90 degree cross winds about, but it was gusty too. For example, doing T&L's on RWY 27 at KEHR saw winds from 330 degrees of 13 knots gusting to 25. Ohio County and Evansville were similarly situated as I used the cross wind runways.
No problem on the final approach but the gusts could and would clock the nose into the wind. Expected. Half flaps and 1/2 the gust factor of extra speed. Only once did I go around as the gust occurred as I flared and the rudder authority lessened as airspeed bled off. Ah, the wonderful go-around. Use it. Love it.
Of the two basic techniques, I use the crab and kick technique. Firstly, I have a pretty good idea of whether or not I'll have enough rudder authority to set the aircraft down without placing side loads on the gear. Secondly, if the gusts require full rudder to the stops I'm still high enough as I attempt my initial "squaring up" at base to final to go-around and try again.
Of course, the wing low technique is also effective and on occasion I will use it. Though in the DA-40 there is a tendency to un port the main fuel sensor on the lowered wing which is annoying. The LOW FUEL MASTER ALARM on short final will get your attention every time.
Note: I'm not a flight instructor but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCTOeTqeXvkHere's another short video I found. Apparently, excessive smiling and the use of the word "dichotomy" can improve your cross wind landings. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdqbLgMoJZ4
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
