Calculating app. speeds in gusty conditions
A question about approach speeds, my aircrafts published stall speeds are as follows:
VSO 47MPH/VS1 61mph at a gross weight of 2400LBS.
For the most part I fly by myself with half tanks which adds up to appx.
Aircraft empty weight 1440
˝ tanks 36USG 216
Me 204
Total 1860 LBS
On short final approach with full 48deg flaps (flap settings are -7Deg Cruise, 0Deg Cruise, 24Deg Take Off, 40 Deg land, 48deg land) I give myself an approach speed of 55MPH (VSo 47mph x 1.3= 61 mph, –6mph for being under gross weight calculated at 1MPH for each 80lbs under gross appx.)
In strong gusty conditions the manual “suggests” that zero or negative 7 deg flaps “may” be used, which using the figures above translates to an approach speed of 73MPH which is way too fast for my liking in those conditions as a low time tail dragger pilot, so I avoid flying in strong gusts.
However, an approach where it is moderately gusty I prefer to come in and land with 24 deg which I feel is a compromise (the 40 + 48 deg flap is like throwing out a barn door, not sure about lift component at these settings but there is a ton of drag).
Based on the above scenario of the airplane configured with 24deg flaps during a moderately gusty landing is there a method to calculate what my exact approach speed should be based on the weights listed above or do I just pick a number halfway between the weight adjusted approach speeds (VS1 55mph + VS0 73mph)
Or on the other hand, am I thinking too much about this one !!