Crosswind help

[rwarre]

Today upon returning to my home airport, winds were 15 gusting to 20. Winds were 270 to 290. Runway in use was 35. I had no trouble lining up with runway, but a soon as I got close to touchdown, the wind would pick up my rv7a. I added power to stabilize the airplance, and had to start the flare procedure again. This happened about 3 or 4 times before I finally was able to get the wheels to stay on the runway. I am wondering if my approach was too fast, I did not use flaps at all. Any suggestions on technique would be appreciated. Thanks

[Geico266]

Which technique for cross winds are you using?

[simpkinsona]

My airplane floats in the flare if I don't use flaps regardless of crosswind. I know the general knowledge is to not use full flaps in a strong crosswind, but I'd use at least half flaps. It's not unusual to have to make a couple of attempts to get it to stick in gusty winds. Just keep flying it all the way.

-Andy

[flyboykelly]

Go get some tailwheel time. You'll have a whole new outlook on crosswind landings.

[Brantel]

I second the use of flaps even though it goes against the grain. My 7 floats for days with no flaps.

[Jeff Vaughan]

I would add flaps 20-30% next time
It will,not float as said previously

[RV Wannabe]

Is just one wing ( the upwind wing) getting picked back up, or both symmetrically?

If it is just the upwind wing it is a crosswind technique issue.

If it is both symmetrically it is likely an airspeed and pitch control issue. And just the plane ole nature of gusty winds.

Using less, or no flaps is a technique for gusty conditions. ( i have not really heard of it for crosswinds that are steady, although there is really nothing wrong with it) It provides more speed, and more controlability to deal with the changing wind speeds. Also for a taildragger wheel landings are sometimes preferred for gusty conditions. (depends on experience level, in my opinion takes a bit more skill) Again the higher speed for controlability. However too aggressive of a crosswind technique in a wheel landing will leave the downwind wheel in the air and taking away the brake on that side to assist in stabilizing the yawning affect of a gust.

Edit: oops, just noticed the "a" in your rv-7. Disregard the wheel landing stuff.

Good luck, and practice.

Mark

[N941WR]

I use full flaps even in the strongest of crosswinds. This allows the plane to fly slower and reduces the risk of ground looping.

BTW, the strongest crosswind I have ever landed in was 32 knots and it took 73 feet of a 150 foot wide runway to do it. It wasn't pretty but it it worked.

[videobobk]

Think about how little crosswind experience we have! Only a few minutes in many hours of flight. A couple years ago I got some time in the Xwind trainer at Indy. That was probably equal to a couple hundred hours of flight time. It could be money well spent. See http://www.redbirdflightsimulations.com/xwind/ The seat belts aren't there for looks, BTW. When they turn up turbulence, you need them. I just wish it had a stick instead of a yoke.

Bob

[Toobuilder]

This is going to sound harsh, but that is not the intent...

The airplane does not do anything on its own. If its not tracking the runway, or floats, or picks up a wing, you are not providing the correct control inputs fast enough or agressively enough. How much control input is enough?

...whatever it takes!

Without flying with you, I think the best a forum response can tell you is simply to remind you that YOU are in control- not the wind, not the airplane, but YOU. Many people struggle with this concept at first, and I was one of them. To keep my head in the game during a particularly rough patch in my flying, I installed a "motivational slogan" right in my line of sight on the panel:

"Fly the airplane, stupid"

This sticker remains to this day.