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  #1  
Old 06-17-2014, 09:26 PM
Simtech Simtech is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 7
Default crosswind handling

I am looking into purchasing a -6. How do they handle crosswinds and is there any figure on a max demonstrated crosswind component like they do for certified planes? I can handle hefty crosswinds in the 172 but the -6 seems so small and light that it can make a 15kt 90 degree crosswind rather hard.
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  #2  
Old 06-18-2014, 03:18 AM
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turbo turbo is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Stuart, FL /Hartford, CT/Virgin Gorda,BVI
Posts: 3,122
Default

I have landed with my 6a in a direct 20 kt xwind. I have heard of more than that. Good luck. Great plane.

pic, fl keys, gulf side.
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Last edited by turbo : 06-18-2014 at 07:54 AM.
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  #3  
Old 06-18-2014, 05:44 AM
terrykohler terrykohler is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,009
Default Maximum "Demonstrated" Cross-Wind Capability

I'd probably go to Van's for this one, but the reality is that in the end, it will likely be something less based on your skill/experience. Also, you need to be aware that the RV6/6A can be found with two different rudder sizes, with the smaller of the two frequently found on earlier versions. The larger rudder will give you more authority/capability.
Probably not many on these forums with more time (and landings) in a 6A than Turbo, and his feedback is generally spot-on. But I'd be very careful using 15kts until I've had "a lot" of practice. Most important, if you don't like the looks of things at any time, go around (as many times as you have to - or go to another airport) - some folks have a hard time doing this and consequently make some pretty bad landings.
These are great airplanes, but they're not 172's.
Terry, CFI
RV9A N323TP
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  #4  
Old 06-18-2014, 05:48 AM
wrongway john wrongway john is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: TX & CO
Posts: 465
Default

My 6 has the larger 8 rudder on mine. I still haven't tested the crosswinds that much on mine, I like to play it extra safe, so probably haven't been up in anything higher than 15kt 90 degree crosswinds, and those have certainly been easy enough.

However, I have been pleasantly surprised and can vouch for how easy it has been to taxi in very strong 30kt winds gusting to 35, and no tendency for the wing to lift at all.
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  #5  
Old 06-18-2014, 05:51 AM
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Doug Doug is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 427
Default

I presume you mean a Tail Dragger. I have landed mine with a verified crosswind component of 14kts (according to the tower controller). I am a joe average pilot but this was very manageable. My -6 has the small VS and rudder.
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  #6  
Old 06-18-2014, 06:09 AM
Geeman Geeman is offline
 
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Location: Novato, CA KDVO
Posts: 377
Default 15 knots is about it for me

I have done 15 knots direct crosswind and felt that was about all the rudder I had left. I have the small rudder.
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  #7  
Old 06-18-2014, 06:32 AM
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WyoDave WyoDave is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pinedale, WY
Posts: 118
Default 27 G34 90 degrees

Most of my flying is here in Wyoming so I've had opportunity to land in cross winds quite a bit. The most I've landed in is 27 G34 90 degrees off the runway. The gust made it difficult to hold the centerline but the plane did just fine To me its easier than a C172 because instead of floating the 6 will land when you want it to.
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  #8  
Old 06-18-2014, 06:46 AM
andyrv andyrv is offline
 
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Location: Leawood, KS
Posts: 275
Default Take the RV

I would take the RV over the Cessna any day in crosswinds. Engine-out glide would be a different story.

Andy
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  #9  
Old 06-18-2014, 06:58 AM
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Toobuilder Toobuilder is offline
 
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Location: Mojave
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andyrv View Post
I would take the RV over the Cessna any day in crosswinds. Engine-out glide would be a different story...
Indeed. Short wings and high control authority equals good cross wind control. People have said the Pitts is one of the best airplanes in this regard just for this reason. As far as max crosswind goes, as long as you don't run out of rudder or drag a wingtip...
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  #10  
Old 06-18-2014, 07:04 AM
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rv6ejguy rv6ejguy is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Calgary, Canada
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Default

Did one with wind at 30-35 knots 80 degrees to the runway. Took 3 attempts as the crab angle was close to 45 degrees at some points in the approach. I have the small rudder. You don't run out of rudder but pretty dicey as it would be in any plane with this crosswind component and approaching at 70 knots or so. Your technique and timing better be dead on...

I wouldn't do this one again but had little choice because of weather closing in.

15 knots at 90 degrees is no big deal in a 6A IMO once you are used to the airplane.
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