Handling the 747-400 on take off from 27R @ LHR between 1200 and 1400 hrs (don't want to be too specific
) was quite 'interesting'. The 747 has a wet x-wind limit of 25kts, and we had to wait a short while for the 37kt gusts at the stop end to subside
to accept take off clearance.
In the end it was reported as 180/24 ish but the take off roll was 'lively' with lots of variable rudder input required and holding 5 units of aileron into wind always feels strange (about 40 degrees control wheel deflection).
The 747 is great in crosswinds when landing but more of a challenge than smaller aircraft on take off due to the degree of sweep on the wing and its propensity to lift the upwind wing and the enormous surface area of the tail.
We also of course, don't get as much practice as our shorthaul cousins
