Originally Posted by
BackPacker
Apparently a 747, because of the outboard underwing engines, can't use the wing-down technique to land in a crosswind. So the recommended crosswind technique is exactly what's written above - no crosswind technique whatsoever. Just plonk it on the runway like you normally do, with up to 45 degrees of crab.
Not so - the correct technique for low wing airliners is to use rudder to ease off the crab at the last moment (ie in the flare) whilst using aileron to prevent wing drop. Failure to squeeze off the drift places an uncomfortable load on the undercarriage - even if it not damaging in the short term, it's not good for fatigue in the long term.
I say this as a pilot of low wing jet airliners!
As for maximum demonstrated crosswind, whilst it may be LEGAL to exceed it, it's probably not SMART. As it is the maximum demonstrated, no-one can say for certain what the actual maximum safe crosswind is. Therefore, any excursion beyond the demonstrated maximum is a journey into the unknown.
Think about it this way - juggling with chainsaws is legal - but is is SMART for the average person to do it?
We have a simple rule at our FTO - we treat the maximum demonstrated as a limit. Full stop, no questions. That way we all know where we stand.