"John T" wrote in
m:

"Kyle Boatright" wrote in message


There is always the consideration of an engine failure. On takeoff
or landing, I'd prefer to be pointed into the wind if the prop stops,
rather than having to land downwind or attempt a low altitude turn
into the wind...

I'd rather be pointed into the wind, too, but if the failure happens
away from the field, I think I'd be a lot less concerned with landing
into the wind than I would in actually making the field.


True, but downwind off field landings can be nasty. If it all goes horribly
wrong on you you'll be travelling a lot faster with a lot less control than
you would have with an into wind landing in an inferior field. Also, your
glide path control will be much more difficult with a tailwind for two
reasons. One, the angle will be much more shallow giving you progress
judgement difficulties and of course your glide angle will deteriorate as
the wind gradient gives you less tailwind as you descend. But as well as
this you won't be used to making a glide approach this way and your chancs
for success will be reduced because of this.
Having said all that, if you've only got one place to land and downwind is
the only way you can do it, well..


Bertie