X-wind max

[Jedi_Cheese]

I am a low time pilot for this sort of thing (~200 hrs) and could use some advice. FYI: I am really good at x-wind landings and keep in practice when it is fairly windy to the grief of others in the traffic pattern.

I had been taking passengers up for the last 2 hours and had 1 more takeoff and landing to do before going in for the day. The weather was wonderful except for the wind. I rechecked the weather on the ground and learned that it was then 17kts x-wind with it 23 gusting to 28 (peaks 32) and shifting a little bit (up to 40 degrees). The last landing had been tough (obviously with the x-wind and gusts) but not overly so.

My major question is go or no go?

 

[labbats]

No one can answer that but you.

However, my flight school cancels all flights if the wind tops 30KTS. I think that's wise unless you are past 135 mins.

*edit* any wind over 30KTS, not 30KT crosswind.

 

[Jedi_Cheese]

I am looking for rough guidelines (like your FBO's rule). Or would you think about taking up an advance stage 3 student (or new private) up in that weather for a refrence flight of what it would be like?

Does the 30kts rule include peak gusts?

Our FBO had 15kts or 5kts x-wind for students.

 

[labbats]

Over 30 KTS including gusts. So 20 gusting to 35 would be a no-go. Primarily because our insurance won't cover you if the wind is indeed past 30KTS, but I think it's a good number for instructors to adhere to, both for themselves and for dual given. Now when you move on to cargo, you'll get canned if you stay on the ground with the wind at 30KTS, but at our stage of the game and our lighter planes, I think it's wise.

 

[Tug Driver]

I just use the x wind component rule. if the conditions exceed it, then we dont fly. If your an AOPA member you can get a packet on windy conditions that I found to be very helpful.

 

[pilotman2105]

Just landing a PA28 in 24 gusting to 29. Tried to do it with a 60 degree component, but had to go around to a runway with a 30 degree component.

Was fun. But yes, only you can answer the go no-go decision.

As a point of reference, my private instructor put a limitation on soloing for me to winds under 10 knots. Total wind, not component.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

If you have concerns - dont go alone - grab an instructor and go do 4-5 landings. You will build your skills/confidence this way.

You will get sharp with a good instructor on a skinny strip with 25-35 kts of wind!

 

[Bandit60]

Always remember two things:
1. The airplanes limitations
2. and most important. THE pilots limitations

Never exceed either one.
This advice works on any type of aircraft you fly.
Good luck and stay safe

 

[nosehair]

Training

The thing is: If we stick strictly to cross-wind limitations in a book, then we will never be prepared for real life.
This same philosophy applies across the board to all things that we teach. As an experienced instructor, it is my duty to take a pilot-learning-to-get-better into conditions which "push his envelope". Not mine - but his.
There are many places in the business of preparing a person to challenge the elements where we can get close to dangerous - but not actually be dangerous. That is how inexperienced pilots gain "safe experience". Get with an experienced instructor and fly in crosswinds that you would not intentionally take off in, but one day you might find yourself arriving in.
Fly in bad weather that you would not intentionally fly into, but one day might happen to find yourself in.
Training is not just getting to a checkride level, but aquiring skills that save your life in situations that might come up regardless of the amount of preflight planning that you might do.

 

[labbats]

A PA-28 can handle 20 KTS direct crosswind. After that it runs out of rudder.

 

[rubberducky]

If you are asking if you should go or not then you have already answered the question.

In other words when in doubt don't go...