Chris, re your #307, the paper is well worth reading. ‘
‘Safety aspects of aircraft operations in crosswind’
It covers:
- The basics of flying in crosswinds; – aircraft are relatively easy to fly within the manufacturers and operational limits, although experience and currency are required in more extreme conditions.
- The report continues with a review of wind measurement and reporting; – there are many errors which pilots must be aware of and should consider in their decision making.
- The overview of certification and test requirements probably covers your point in #307, again the industry makes many assumptions about the ‘demonstrated limits’.
- Finally there is a review of N American crosswind related accidents (1983-95), the contributory causes and risks involved in crosswind operation are examined.
Of interest 70% of accident events involved wing or pod strike; given these statistics then the option of a GA might be ill advised – fly with a damage aircraft?
This would strengthen the argument for an early decision to avoid the hazard, minimise risk, and not getting boxed into a situation where there is no ‘undo’ option.
We should be concerned that many operations are increasingly occurring in marginal conditions; this is not so much the fault of individual misjudgement than the increasing external pressures of inappropriate industry norms.
In a very safe, highly reliable industry, and with the use of safety enhancing technologies, we appear to be continually pushing the margins of safety. Then when someone inadvertently crosses ‘the edge’, we are surprised; there is great concern and there is lengthy discussion in hindsight.
What we need is a bit more foresight, which should include training and briefing as well as basic systems and operational knowledge; good rule making and SOP formulation would also help.