flaps again

On Jan 1, 8:35 pm, WingFlaps wrote:

In the 172 POH it says that minimum flap setting should be used
(consistemt with runway length) in strong crosswinds. I think control
surface authority is what is being sought here.

In a crosswind, the wind vector is larger at lower aircraft
speeds, so a higher landing speed reduces the relative wind angle and
makes the initial touchdown more controllable. The thing to remember
is that the flight isn't over until the airplane is tied down, so be
wide awake in the rollout and use all the controls to manage the
airplane. Like LOTS of aileron into the crosswind.

Dan

In the 172 POH it says that minimum flap setting should be used
(consistemt with runway length) in strong crosswinds. I think control
surface authority is what is being sought here.

In a crosswind, the wind vector is larger at lower aircraft
speeds, so a higher landing speed reduces the relative wind angle and
makes the initial touchdown more controllable. The thing to remember
is that the flight isn't over until the airplane is tied down, so be
wide awake in the rollout and use all the controls to manage the
airplane. Like LOTS of aileron into the crosswind.

Other advantages of using partial flaps in a strong crosswind:

- Higher pitch attitude on approach, so flare is easier - not as much pitch
change required

- Plane is already configured for a go around if needed. Related to this -
less drag means faster response to throttle if needed in the flare to counter
a gust.