On Dec 4, 8:54*am, "Mark." wrote:
On Dec 3, 4:57*pm, a wrote:

[...]

By the
way, on a wide runway with a lot of crosswind component start your run
not on the centerline but more to the downwind edge of the runway,
when you're within 10 kts or so of takeoff speed you can take some of
the crosswind component away by turning toward the upwind edge of the
runway. 100 feet of useful runway width (say on one whose paved width
is 150 feet) can really change the relative angle of the wind.

[...]

Now that's a good common-sense tip that I've
not heard before.

---
Mark IV

Something to think about: "the numbers" and "the centerline" are
useful references for CFI's to use when training pilots. As one
becomes more experienced the desired touchdown point on a runway is in
relation to the turn - off you're wanting to use: most of us do that
already. The true sign of a low time or thoughtless or ignorant pilot
is one who touches down within 100 feet of the numbers on a 7000 foot
long runway when the taxiway closest to the FBO desired is at the
other end.

Less appreciated is using the physical width of the runway to one's
advantage. If there's a significant crosswind component my over-the-
ground track is well to the downwind side of a wide runway's
centerline and close to touchdown speed I may turn a little more into
the wind toward the centerline. It's less wear and tear on tires and
more gentle on the airplane. On the other hand, unless you really know
your airplane, don't do it. My M20 and I are good friends, it permits
me to take liberties like these because I know when it's ready to fly
and ready to land.

I'm also the guy who because the Mooney is low wing flies 50 or 100
feet below my assigned altitude as a minor mid-air avoidance
probability reducing technique, ditto being at pattern altitude a mile
or two from the pattern and making minor clearing turns when on the
entry leg at an uncontrolled airport as well: it makes it easier to
see other airplanes higher than me and unlikely to have any lower.

All of these things and countless others probably add up to a
marginally safer flight: at least it's evidence there's some thinking
going on. I don't want to fly 'by rote'.