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Old 16th February 2008 | 14:26
  #11 (permalink)  
jamestkirk
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 762
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From: UK
reduced flap

Remember in gusty conditions, you may encounter winshear. If that windshear is of the minus speed value, flaps may be a good idea. This is due the the reduction in stall speed giving you a larger margin for error. This stuff I am sure you know.

But, extending flaps reduces you stability in the lateral plane. It is alot easier for a gust of wind to displace the aircraft in roll with 40 degrees of flap, than zero degrees. As you lower the flaps, the C of G moves rearwards and inwards (towards the root). If you held a ruler at each end and asked someone to try and move it at the tips, it would be alot more difficult than holding the ruler in the centre and asking the same. It's the same principle with the wing.

I used to get my students to fly a crosswind/gusty approach with full flap and the next circuit with zero to experience the difference in stability. (dual of course, before someone pipes up).

Thats the reason that in a crosswind and especially if its gusty that you approach a little faster with a lower flap setting. Although, some aircraft may vary and in such things as the Europa you do not have a flap choice.

In the wind conditions you gave, remember to add you gust factor to the approach speed. Its half the gust factor so add 5 knots. Its a rule of thumb but useful.Forgive me if you already know that.
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