"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:S5m_c.101854$9d6.69565@attbi_s54...
The ASOS at the time that this guy lifted off was
reporting winds at 31kts with gusts up to 47kts.

That's *it*?

Shoot, I've flown in 62 knot peak gusts in clear air in Wisconsin. (Not
that I recommend it, mind you...)

I guess I'd have expected a hurricane to be more, well, windy...

A *hurricane* is more windy, by definition. That guy wasn't flying in a
hurricane.

Also, peak gust isn't really as relevant as the gust amount. I'd say 16
knot gusts are pushing it for the edge of safety, at least in a Cessna
piston engine airplane.

I'd much rather fly in a wind of 57 knots with 62 knot peak gusts (for
example...not saying those are the conditions you referred to) than 31 knots
with 47 knots (though, of course, I'd rather not fly in either).

Also, you don't specify whether you actually departed in "62 knot peak gust"
conditions, or if you were just flying in them. There's a significant
difference between the two types of operation.

Anyway, I'd say that while the guy probably should have left earlier, in
less windy conditions, what he did sounds challenging, but not necessarily
reckless, especially if done by an experienced pilot.

Pete