scottmillhouse
Well Known Member
I had a challenging return from SNF with rough air, head winds and cross wind landings. Demonstrated for the 12 is noted as 11 knots. I have exceeded that on quite a few occasions using the typical crab, slip technique and the last minute align to centerline 1,2,3 wheel touch down. Usually with a slight lateral landing gear stress that quickly falls off as you slow. On my final landing reporting was 18 knots gusting to 27 direct left cross wind. I fully expected a go around after a trial to another airport and reported that to heavy wing load traffic behind me on what to expect from a LSA. Did typical cross wind 45 crab and slip diagonal to runway but did not straighten to align, noting 44 knot airspeed and 20 ground around touch down. Soft and smooth with only drama to taxi in runway alignment with the cross wind. I was impressed with our plane's capability, kind of like a Cub landing. A blessing after getting tossed around for almost 6 hours. Much easier and less drama than with the last second align to runway drama. Was I just lucky or with our bird's great low speed performance and short landing capability is it better to maximize the wind to a head wind component to get a touch down at fast taxi speeds diagonal to the centerline? Thoughts, experiences, suggestions on best technique for our birds?