Transcript Cross Wind Techniques

Wings Program
Crosswind Takeoffs & Landings
Chuck Pinney, CFIG
Loss of directional control in takeoff & landings are #2 & #1 in order of aircraft accident frequency
Federal Aviation Regulations Part 61-C
Sec. 61.87 Supervised pilot-in-command requirements for student pilots.
(c) Supervised PIC flight training. In order to perform supervised PIC flight training, a student pilot
must have:
(2) Demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety, as judged by an authorized flight
instructor, on the maneuvers and procedures required by this section in the make and
model of aircraft to be flown.
(i) Maneuvers and procedures for supervised PIC flight training in a nonpowered glider.
A student pilot who is receiving training in a nonpowered glider must receive and log
supervised PIC flight training on the following maneuvers and procedures:
(2)
Launches, including normal and crosswind;
(15) Landings, including normal and crosswind;
Crosswind Takeoff
L sinj
j
Frudder
Fwind
X
Ftire
Y
L
SFY = Fwind - L sinj - Ftire – Frudder = 0
Ftow
Ftire
Fwind
Frudder
W
Lr
D
Lt
Lw
Z
Ailerons: Set angle of bank to keep the aircraft on runway centerline
Rudder: Keep fuselage aligned with runway centerline
Note: As airspeed increases, less control deflection req’d. Dynamics
change at rotation (weight off wheel)
Ftire
Frudder
Fwind
SMZ = – Fwind * Lw – Ftire * Lt + Frudder * Lr = 0
Glider Crosswind Takeoff
The 3 Phases
Phase 1 (both a/c on ground): Maintain upwind wing low & downwind rudder to keep avoid
drift and maintain alignment with runway and towplane.
g/s
w/s
a/s
Phase 2 (glider airborne, towplane on ground): Crab into wind to avoid drift and maintain
ground track in line with runway and towplane. Exercise caution to avoid touchdown in crab.
Phase 3 (both a/c airborne): Towplane responsible for crabbing & establishing direction for
both craft. Glider assumes normal tow position.
Setting up for
Crosswind Landing
Factors affecting Crosswind Limits
• POH
– FAR 91.13 (Careless or Reckless Operation)
can be used against you if you operate your
aerospace vehicle in excess of the POH
demonstrated crosswind component.
• Rules of thumb: handle 90-deg wind > 0.20
Vso; don’t fly when >0.65 Vs1
• Aircraft handling qualities
• Aileron & rudder authority
• Wingspan
• Runway Coefficient (wet or snow-covered)
• Pilot skill / proficiency
Rules of Thumb for Crosswinds
• Wind sock
– Stiff: 15 kts
– 45 deg: 7-8 kts
• Crosswind component
– Wind 30 deg off nose: xwind
component = ½ tot wind
– 45 deg: 2/3
– 60 deg: 3/4
Alternatives
• Different runway
• Land diagonally (runway
crown? – watch swerve)
• Divert
• Wait
• Don’t fly
Better to use your superior judgment to select a runway aligned with the
wind than to count on using superior skill to land in a strong crosswind
Crosswind Landing Technique
Objectives
+ Longitudinally aligned with centerline w/o drift
+ Avoid side loads to landing gear
+ Maintain safe handling, airspeeds & rate of descent
Establish wind correction angle for drift-free ground track.
Rudder kick in flare to align with runway
+ Coordinated flight
+ May be necessary for higher cross-winds
- Precise timing required for rudder kick – early: drift; late:
side loads
Downwind rudder to align nose w/centerline, ailerons into
wind to offset drift, forward elevator to maintain proper
airspeed
+ Ensures proper alignment for touchdown
- Cross-controlling unnatural & uncomfortable for
passengers
- Airspeed inacurrate / higher airspeed
Recommendation: Initiate final approach with Crab Method and transition to Wing Low (Sideslip)
Method prior to touch down. Follow-through with Wing Low until stopped; anticipate swerve at stop.
Get instruction – Practice at altitude, then takeoff/land in mild crosswinds