Netters I agree with Larry but would like to clear up a misconception. The listed crosswind landing for a particular aircraft is NOT the maximum crosswind that the aircraft can be safely landed in, it is the maximum demonstrated crosswind landing by an experienced pilot during certification of the aircraft. This is a requirement by the FAA so that pilots not familiar with the aircraft or low in experience have some basis to judge whether a landing should be attempted or not. Most General Aviation aircraft I have flown have a demonstrated crosswind landing of between 15 and 17 knots at 90 degrees to the runway. I have safely landed C152s and C172s in 20 to 30 knot winds by raising approach speeds appropriately and landing without flaps etc... Heavier twins can be landed in normal configuration with only slight approach speed modification. Larry is right in that most of a crosswind landing relies on the pilot's ability to manage the crosswind, gusts, and so forth, and his knowledge of the aircraft. Not to put your Air Force guy down, but it sounds like his small plane currency was not what it should be, which is typical of jet type pilots. They will get 100 types under their belt, but still only have 3 to 4 small single engine light planes worth of experience. If I were to select a different test pilot than myself, it would not be a pilot from the Professional Pilot ranks unless his job was being a test pilot of small aircraft. My selection would be one who has many hours flying small aircraft on a regular basis at the airport to flown out of, in aircraft similar to the one to be flown. Finding a Flying Club pilot who owns a Pitts or something like that would be a better choice. Though he doesn't have the full logbook, he is more familiar with the type and its unique behavior. His reactions are going to be more appropriate, and on time, and he will know the airport and area. As much as anything is the reducing of the work overload potential on the initial test flights when all the focus needs to be on paying attention to the airplane and flying it, not learning the area, having to adjust to the approach, the wind characteristics, etc...
Sounds like your guy just bit off alittle more than he could chew. If he blames it on the aircraft I would be suspicious that he is overflying his abilities and find someone else. If he admits it, respect him and develop a plan to adapt the test program so that he can become proficient. FLY SAFE! Colin & Bev Rainey KR2(td) N96TA Sanford, FL [email protected] http://kr-builder.org/Colin/index.html
