Pilot's tip of the week

Too Much Crosswind?

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Subscriber question:

 "How can I tell when a crosswind is too much for landing?" - David P.

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Bob:

Crosswind“There are two limiting factors to think about (maximum demonstrated crosswind and AND pilot limitations). They are not necessarily the same and we need to know what they both are.

Just because the airplane (demonstrated) limits are 15 knots of direct cross wind, that situation may very well exceed the pilot’s skill and proficiency. Only practice will let you know what your own limitations are!

Rudder effectiveness will determine the safety of the landing. If the pilot is not able to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway on final, do not attempt the landing.

The pilot may want to test the winds by flying a low approach down the runway. If the aircraft is controllable throughout, a safe landing is certainly doable. And the pilot will feel much better about trying it!”

(NEW) VFR Mastery scenario #94 “Gulf Coast Gauntlet” is now available. You’ve been dodging showery precipitation all the way home and you’ve got one area to bypass. The catch is the only VFR you can use is the peninsula on the west side of Tampa’s Class B, about 15 miles ahead. You stop and wait, but the only good airport is behind you and still IFR in showers. You circle to consider your options: VFR under the Bravo, VFR with a clearance through the Bravo, land without permission at a private airpark where no one seems to be monitoring the radio, or continue to circle, burning gas and hoping things improve. Watch the Intro video.

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