AIAA
19th Nov 2009, 09:50
Anybody out there fly an approach into Gatwick or Heathrow last Saturday (14 Nov)?
I did, in a 757, and it was one of the most 'exciting' approaches I have ever done. I have spent many a month in the Falkland Islands with endless windy and rubbish weather, but cor blimey, this seemed to beat them all!
75kts pure cross wind at about 1800', then all across gusting 38kts at the surface. IAS +/-20kts, very bumpy, looking over my right shoulder nearly to see the runway, rain etc etc.
The 3 aircraft in front all went around, and I fully expected not to land, but we were 'stable' at 500' and managed a safe landing.
Not very nice! Just proves that on some days you really earn the money.....
I did, in a 757, and it was one of the most 'exciting' approaches I have ever done. I have spent many a month in the Falkland Islands with endless windy and rubbish weather, but cor blimey, this seemed to beat them all!
75kts pure cross wind at about 1800', then all across gusting 38kts at the surface. IAS +/-20kts, very bumpy, looking over my right shoulder nearly to see the runway, rain etc etc.
The 3 aircraft in front all went around, and I fully expected not to land, but we were 'stable' at 500' and managed a safe landing.
Not very nice! Just proves that on some days you really earn the money.....