Thread: Winds!

I know we have bantered this back and forth many times, but I just needed to vent a little. Of course, I live in Lubbock, Tx so right now we're seeing winds that are averaging 17-25mph each day and I'm getting a little bit frustrated. I used to own a 182 and never really thought about taking it out in this wind speed range, but it's a different story in the CTLS (or any other LSA for that matter) I'm just nervous taking out a 1320lb plane vs my 3300lb 182 thinking it could get blown over with a gust. Everybody here on the site says just be cautious but I'm very nervous about it so I haven't flown in a couple of months. Our wind settles down in June, but I can't own a plane for 6 months out of the year flying.

It's getting to the point where I'm considering going back for my medical (post cancer) and getting a heavier plane. I know this is crazy especially with the gas prices the way they are. Help talk me out of this!!!

John

John,

Depending on your skill level 20-25 is not a real problem. Use zero or -6 flaps and land with power, not idle. Of course 20 headwind is different than a cross wind, but it's not that bad. Start a little lower at 15 and work up if it makes you a little nervous. I'm sure it makes other people nervous too, but you will find with a little practice that the nerves will go away. Just use good crosswind setup and touchdown practices and you'll be fine. To get comfortable we have to practice like we play.

I have over 650 hrs tt and 450 in the 182. I didn't get comfortable in it for about 100hrs (where I could really count on "greasers" routinely). I only have 70hrs in the LS right now and I'm hoping the light bulb will turn on soon! It's not that they're hard landings, just not perfect like I feel I should be doing every time I fly. I was REALLY confident in the 182 where if the winds were below 30, I didn't worry...

Went out and did my BFR last week with a close CFI friend and he said I should practice a lot more on my rudder skills. He wasn't being mean, just thought I'd like to know. He did say the CT requires much higher rudder skills than most other planes he's flown. He's trying to get me to move over to a Cub Crafters super sport cub, but I'm about ready to give u flying I'm so frustrated!

John

John,

Not having flown with you I'm not about to tell you what to do. I don't know your capabilities. Are these winds fairly steady or are they gusty? What is the crosswind componenent you will be dealing with? From my rememberance of flying in Texas, rotary and fixed wing out of Ft. Hood many years ago, I recall fairly steady winds most of the time but with little turbulence since there were no mountains around. So, if you are not dealing with much in the way of gust factors and if turbulence is not beating you up, I wouldn't hesitate to fly to the cross wind limits published for the airplane. What you should do is get some x-wind dual from a good instructor until you are comfortable then fly frequently.

Hi John,

You aren't alone in your feeling frustrated. There have been many before and probably many after getting use to a lighter LSA plane and its characteristics. I have had several people that have been frustrated especially with a GA CFI's, not to mention all CFI's are not created equal. All they have to do is pass a test, doesn't mean they can teach. Some are so pigheaded that they are not flexible at all because they just don't know any other way. Some people need to learn in oranges and others in apples. The problem with CFI's or any instructor in this world is that too many can not adapt their teaching style to the student and can't get into the students head to break the frustration barrier. I have had a number of people come through here that wanted someone with a different style to break that barrier. LSA aircraft are a different animal than a heavy docile 182. It is light and most are short coupled. I don't think anyone makes greasers 100% of the time. If you can get with Eric Swisher in Bisbee, AZ or myself I think one of us can change your mind and break that barrier. You need someone that knows the CT in and out and that can relay that info to the way you need to learn it. Knowing your audience or student's mind set is half the battle. The other half is just a mechanical skill.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I really appreciate it. Tomorrow I'm going to fly down to Austin for a board meeting. Winds should be 15 to 20 but down the runway so good practice. I'm sure once I get back to flying all the eaa breakfast circuit, I'll be back in the groove again! John

The issue is the gustiness of the wind. Straight-line wind is fine, even up to a 12+ kt crosswind. 12+ kt gust components are a totally different matter. The CT is a handfull in gusty conditions, particularly at anything less than MGTW. Pilot skill plays a big part of it, but there's only so much you can do if a 10kt crosswind gust hits you in the flare - or worse yet, the gust abates when you're 2 feet up and you stall. Keep the weight up, be quick on the stick, use minimal flaps and don't be afraid to go around.

Doug

I'm impressed with all the coaching, you guys are great, good read!

After looking at fuel prices this morning on Bloomberg's page, I just need to shut up and PRACTICE. Leaving for Austin in a couple of hrs. 17kt winds right now down the runway. Will let you know how it went when I get back. John

Minimal flaps, minimal flaps, minimal flaps.