20015G25KT - what do you do?
In my most recent flying job 25 kts was considered a reasonably calm day & flying or not was dictated by any specific airstrip limitations due to very localised geographical effects. When the wind got to 50 kts we had problems because that was the limit for opening the a/c's doors. Above that we'd have to park the fire truck in front of the a/c as a wind break.
So, reiterating some good advice already given in this thread, it really depends on your own skill, recency & comfort level in the aircraft concerned.
So, reiterating some good advice already given in this thread, it really depends on your own skill, recency & comfort level in the aircraft concerned.
PPruNaholic!
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Today TAF at my airfield is giving 28020G32KT; Form 214 is indicating winds aloft around 50~55kts @ 2000'; Form 215 is warning of severe turbulence below 6000'; and the synoptic charts (as well as the view out of my window!) indicate a severe weather system is trundling through, as I'm sure we're all aware!
So looking at the whole picture (not just the "G32KT" I suppose), I don't think I'll be flying today!
Andy
So looking at the whole picture (not just the "G32KT" I suppose), I don't think I'll be flying today!
Andy
Why do it if it's not fun?
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28020G32KT? Pah! 24048G62KT here today!!! It is due to calm down a bit later: BECMG 1114 25030G48KT - but I think I'll leave the aircraft in the hangar today!
FFF
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FFF
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I once took a commercial student up for some crosswind practice in a small cyclone that was off the coast . The student had done a PPL at a controlled airport with cross runways & hadn't really got as much opportunity to practice in x-winds has would have been preferable. Not much choice about x-winds at the airstrip we were at. Wouldn't have sent the student solo but it did wonders for her x-wind technique... 
Flies for fun
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Can I suggest some tailwheel time? X winds will be less of a problem after the experience. I found that my xwind landings and indeed landings generally were improved after the experience of flying tailwheel. Plus dare I say that tailwheel instructors tend to be more experienced!
Once arrived at a jet training station with my little Bulldog. Got a very angry duty instructor asking me what the hell I thought I was doing as jet flying had apparently been stopped for the day due to the 30 kt crosswind. I pointed out the fact that the Bulldog's crosswind limit was 35 kts and carried on booking out...
G
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Go flying! 15kts isn't much to worry about really. That's what I'd do, but the fact you feel the need to ask tells me that you wouldn't feel comfortable in it, therefore don't go up.
You don't get any prizes for machismo, but you will get a kicking if you smash the a/c up!!
If you are unhappy about crosswinds, grab an instructor and go practise. It will help you in the end. What does the flying order book give the club limits as? It makes the decision easy if it's outside the limits specified.
As an aside, what would you do if you went flying on a lovely calm day, but on your return found that a x-wind had sprung up. I'll bet you would just deal with it without too many problems.
Get your confidence up. Crosswinds aren't that scary honestly!!
If I can deal with them, it can't be that difficult!
You don't get any prizes for machismo, but you will get a kicking if you smash the a/c up!!
If you are unhappy about crosswinds, grab an instructor and go practise. It will help you in the end. What does the flying order book give the club limits as? It makes the decision easy if it's outside the limits specified.
As an aside, what would you do if you went flying on a lovely calm day, but on your return found that a x-wind had sprung up. I'll bet you would just deal with it without too many problems.
Get your confidence up. Crosswinds aren't that scary honestly!!
If I can deal with them, it can't be that difficult!
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> 20015G25KT - what do you do?
The runway at Cardiff is 12/30 so there would be an 80 degree crosswind on runway 12.
I'd have no reservations about going flying but we have a Beagle Pup which has a demonstrated crosswind limit of 25 knots, although even then it just sticks to the centreline without any problems at all.
If the wind was reported to be 20025 then again I'd go flying but if it was in the metar to be 20025G35 then I'd stay firmly on the ground.
The runway at Cardiff is 12/30 so there would be an 80 degree crosswind on runway 12.
I'd have no reservations about going flying but we have a Beagle Pup which has a demonstrated crosswind limit of 25 knots, although even then it just sticks to the centreline without any problems at all.
If the wind was reported to be 20025 then again I'd go flying but if it was in the metar to be 20025G35 then I'd stay firmly on the ground.
