Thread: gusty conditions

Originally Posted by ArtP

After reading the NTSB reports on the CTSW (the great majority of accidents occur on take off or landing), I am interested in hearing how the CTSW behaves is in gusting winds at the airport. I am rapidly reaching the point where I have to decide whether to get a CTSW.

In my opinion the CTSW takes a higher level of skill to be proficient landing in all configurations. Rudder skills are important as well as a good sense of where the ground is.

In gusty winds less flaps are called for and higher speeds can be used. At higher speed with less flaps the CTs sight picture on landing is more normal and the airplane can remain pretty responsive.

The CT is responsive and predictable and therefore easy to land once your skills are adequate. The ability to maintain airspeed and control pitch attitude in order to remain in a positive energy state is highly desirable in a CT.

I do predominantly 0 deg flap landings. If you adjust your approach speed (more for a full plane, less when you're by yourself), you can land and stop in less than 1000 feet without a headwind. If you have too much speed, the plane will lightly bounce a few times, but with 0 degrees your nose wheel will be safely up in the air as you bleed off energy.

I've landed with full rudder deflection and a decent amount of power is needed to match the descent you would have at idle without a slip. Odds are you're going to bounce at least once, so keep the upwind wing low.

If a gust lifts you higher than you want to be, go around, it's another 50 cents worth of gas at the most.

Originally Posted by opticsguy

If a gust lifts you higher than you want to be, go around, it's another 50 cents worth of gas at the most.

Absolutely! Never be afraid to go around in the CT if the airplane isn't where you want it. I don't think that the CT is fragile, but it isn't built as stout as a Cessna or Citabria.