Originally Posted by
dkatwa
I am grateful for the replies here. I have a PPL although not flown since I got the licence in June 2010...long story...but hope to restart this year.....
In a strong cross wind, one would have to turn into wind if attempting a return to runway.....thing is, will turning into wind reduce the lost of height in any way (quicker airflow over the wings, providing vital lift)?
Maybe I should know the answer to this but I have been out of the aviation loop recently....apologies in advance....
Right answer ... Fundamentally wrong logic.
The wind (assuming it is constant) has no effect on the flight dynamics - none!
However, if you draw the basic turn back with no wind (about 270 degrees of turn - 180 back, 45 to track towards the airport, 45 to align with the runway) and then redraw it off setting each position a bit more downwind to reflect the cumulative displacement from the cross wind, you will see the final 45 degrees and then the turn back on course will be substantially reduced. So less turning time and less distance travelled means less height lost.