Thread: X-Wind takeoffs

There's been a lot written here and elsewhere about cross-wind landings... but how about cross-wind takeoffs? I know about keeping the stick into the wind, and keeping the upwind wing down - but how about flaps, takeoff speed, etc. ?

I ask because two takeoffs on Sunday were a bit more exciting than I like. Both were 13-16 kt direct crosswind. At the moment of lift-off the CT didn't climb as usual, but just skimmed the runway for a second or two. An awkward moment, at a point where you don't have a lot of control.

Any techniques you've found that works best??? Thanks

Tim

Hi Tim,

No Flaps, keep the wing on the windward side down , but level. Don't let the plane or the wing come off the ground until you have sufficient speed. Being in a bad crosswind and at a low almost stall takeoff speed is not good. Have a little extra speed on the bad crosswind takeoff for better control and climb off the runway. You don't want the runway to jump up and smite thee!

Sorry Roger but I disagree....
Went to France a few months ago & most strips are East- West & the wind was 15-25 from the South! I tried all options & settled on 15 degree, front wheel off as soon as possible, dig the wing into the wind & wait for the speed to increase to achieve a "positive take off", nose down as soon as airbourne & let the speed build. Did a few 0 flap take-offs & the bugger was skidding along the ground sideways
Mal

HI Malt,

If the plane moves sideways on takeoff then use more control. It should hold a track if enough control is put in. If you can't stay on the runway or straight then you have too much crosswind component for your planes controls. I find the plane is more stable in windy conditions on landings and takeoffs with zero flaps.

Malt...

'Sounds like what I experienced... certainly not the "jump off the runway" I normally get.

Anybody else? How would loading affect X-wind takeoffs... is lighter better or worse?

Tim

0 flaps decreases the chance that a gust will lift you up before you are ready.

Also, depending on your CG at 15 flaps, you may want to have the trim all the way forward or forward pressure on the stick, as the nose may come up sooner than you'd like, forcing you to fly ground-effect with a x-wind.

Roger,
I could keep it tracked with 0 flaps but it was easier & felt better at 15.
Don't forget that we are a lot lighter over here so we get thrown around a lot more.
Added this bit later.

Went up today with a good 15kt 80 degree crosswind on a 1000m tarmac runway. Couldn't land on 15 degree flap as I was floating on too much & had another go at 0, much better control, fast & low. Took off using 0 & found it to be event free! I think..... due to the tarmac having more grip the plane didn't want to scrub so much across the runway. In France it was much better with 15, maybe the grass slips more?
Go figure please.


Mal

It all depends on the pressure you put on the stick fore or aft. Light nose wheel pressure or heavy nose wheel.

I will have to side with Roger Lee, I have had some wild takeoffs with crosswinds when I use 15 degree flaps, (which I use for normal takeoff's).

0 flaps and more speed before takeoff always works best for me in strong crosswinds.

Tarmac or grass AW?
Mal