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-   -   Full Flaps or No Flaps in heavy winds (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=159612)

fbrewer 04-15-2018 10:51 PM

Full Flaps or No Flaps in heavy winds
 
Members,

There are lot's of suggested techniques in heavy winds (above 15 knots) for the tail dragging RVer.

Some suggest NO flaps, some suggest Full flaps.

What do you use and what is your rationale?

Likewise: wheelie or 3pt, and your rationale?

Tram 04-16-2018 12:02 AM

We talking crosswind or down the pipe?

If they're down the pipe, I have no issues will full flaps.
If they're crossing, I'll go without the flaps or half flaps.

I prefer wheel landings in higher winds..

Simon Hitchen 04-16-2018 06:14 AM

Same same
 
Max crosswind, half or no flaps and wheel landings.

blueflyer 04-16-2018 06:27 AM

All or none
 
I was taught the "All or None" method for high crosswinds. Meaning use all the flaps or no flaps. 80% of the time, I choose all the flaps. I wheel land 90% of the time anyway, so I wheel land in high crosswinds too.

6 Gun 04-16-2018 11:19 AM

Flaps
 
100% flaps every time.
Bob

Fred.Stucklen 04-16-2018 01:48 PM

100% flaps all the time, even in sever cross winds...

Mike S 04-16-2018 03:04 PM

When I did my transition with Mike Seager, he made me do a no flap landing just to show me it could be done.

I asked if there were times where it was preferred, and he replied something like "if the flaps are in working condition, why would you ever choose not to use them?"

bret 04-16-2018 03:23 PM

From what little I know, the less flap in the spam can gave us a higher approach speed which in turn gave us more rudder authority in a cross wind, I don't think that applies with our large rudder....:rolleyes:

fbrewer 04-16-2018 10:12 PM

Bret, thanks for your reason.

Anyone else have reasons why they might choose NO Flap and 3pt vs Wheelie?

Or Wheelie vs 3pt.

This applies to winds over 15 knots, variable and gusting to 25.

Ironflight 04-16-2018 11:05 PM

When I have really strong crosswinds, I generally leave the flaps up becasue I am goign to keep some speed up to maintain better control, and once I am on teh ground, I want as little lift as I can get - to keep the airplane from trying to lift back off. The flaps will lower stall speed, and I actually want a HIGHER stall speed to facilitate killing the wing’s lift.

I also use a wheel landing with significant crosswinds becasue I want more speed for better directional control until I have planted the airplane. Then with no flaps, it is less likely to balloon back off the ground if I take a sudden gust, because of the higher stall speed. Less lift, less likelihood of lifting back off.

BTW - I don’t really consider it “windy” until the wind is sustained over 20 - for 15 knots within 45 degrees of the runway, I would probably still be using flaps.

Usual disclaimers apply - this works for me, YMMV, and I don’t give flight instruction over th internet! ;)

Paul


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