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Old 29th August 2006 | 20:03
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westhawk
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: USA
FlyingForFun:

My apologies for confusing you with the poster in the "other" thread!

The advantages and disadvantages of using full, reduced or no flaps for landing in crosswind conditions will certainly vary according to many factors. Specific aircraft type handling characteristics at various loadings, runway dimensions/surface conditions and obstacles may influence the decision as to which setting is most appropriate for that flight.

Where no guidance is provided by the AFM/POH, the decision of which setting would be best to use is left to the individual pilot based upon their own knowledge and experience both generally and with the specific type concerned. I did not find any recommendations regarding crosswind technique in my old BE-76 manual. My Cessna manuals are more descriptive, in that specific recommended techniques and considerations for crosswind ops are provided.

Generally speaking, in my personal experience, I find that tricycle gear equipped aircraft which must be slowed significantly from approach speed prior to allowing it to touch down in order to "protect" the nosewheel are more comfortably landed at a reduced flap setting in gusty and/or crosswind conditions. Half flaps has normally worked very well for me in the Duchess, Seneca and all trike gear singles I have landed while faced with any notable crosswind component. I have always found it very instructive to take students out on a good crosswind day and have them practice landings at different flap settings to experience it for themselves.

This is an excellent subject for discussion since there are a great many factors to consider and prioritize according to the specific aircraft, pilot and situation.

Best regards,

Westhawk
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