PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Demonstrated X wind a pointless figure ?
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Old 31st Jan 2016, 15:58
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India Four Two
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Manchester MAN
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In my limited experience of looking into demonstrated cross-wind components, the value seems to acrue to the manufacturer, who has to tick a box during the certification process.

They mostly only test up to the maximum value required by EASA/FAA - 20% of Vso, which results in ludicrously low values in the case of gliders.

Most gliders will handle much stronger cross-winds and some manufacturer's handbooks admit as much. On the other hand, some powerplanes I've flown feel right on the edge at the handbook crosswind value.

BPF's comment is very valid though. It's not just the landing but what happens afterwards. Many years ago, someone took my favourite rental 172 (i.e. cheap) to Lethbridge and landed in a gusty 50 kt Chinook wind. No cross-wind problems, since the runway was into wind. Thngs went to pieces when he turned round to backtrack and ended up inverted!
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