>In using any method I like.... >I like staying out of 45 mph crosswinds as my first choice! >Highly recommended. Shows good judgment. >Landing in extreme crosswinds is risk nobody needs. >Consider alternatives. >Success could be more chance than choice. > >Nuff said. >Bob Urban >+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Bob, Needless to say it was not a choice I was fond of but considering the fact we were quite low on fuel and this airport had the widest runway, or shortest depending on the direction one was flying, it was the best opportunity. I do however find a 35 kt X-wind to be no problem. Had we really thought it through we would have landed across the runway just like we took off. Our destination runway had a much more favorable orientation to the wind so sitting it out was not really necessary.
I should also note my Forney has factory 3 axis controls, Bill's is a standard 2 control Coupe. On landing I was in trail about 100 yds behind so I had a really impressive view of his landing. I used a combination crab and slip so I had no problem. I can also touch down much slower than Bill's Coupe since I have more up elevator. Again a big difference. In mine I would not hesitate to do it again should the need arise but would also just land across the runway instead. I've done that before in a Cherokee and you wouldn't believe all the hostile comments made by the hanger heros until the next plane tried to land using their preferred and "safer" method of landing down the length of the runway. As he lost control and exited the runway there was sudden silence as the Beech flipped over (pilot was unhurt). For some reason they lost interest in my flagrant disregard for flying the proper pattern. Hey it's my ass out there, and I will do what ever keeps it from experiencing an unpleasant outcome. We all have different levels of experience and abilities, the most important thing as a pilot is to know what your aircraft is capable of doing, not just what the book specs say and of what your own abilities as a pilot are. I've known pilots with great credentials such as a friend I took flying in my Coupe. He is a Delta Captain with many thousands of hours flying wide bodies, flew F4's in Nam but couldn't get my Coupe into a 1500' grass strip. Lots of hours but a different type of experience. Does that mean I can handle a DC 10? Well I flew the DC 10 simulator at American and I did a perfect approach according to the instructor, except everyone on board would have died because I flared too low. As close as he could figure it had the runway been about 50 feet lower than the surrounding terrain it would have been pretty good. If all your experience is pattern or local flying you could easily find yourself in over your head on a long X-Country. The wider your experience the better you understand your limitations and capabilities. Dave
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