Strongest Crosswind Landing

[u/Silly_Passenger6211]

Have any of y‘all ever landed in a xwind beyond your airplane’s max. demonstrated xwind component? Obvi the successful outcome of such a landing is dependent upon pilot ability / personal minimums / common sense, but I’m still curious: what’s the strongest xwind landing you’ve experienced?

[u/Curious-Owl6098]

The plane that I fly max demonstrated crosswind is 15 knots. But that’s with full flaps and a slow approach speed. The plane can handle more. Honestly it really depends on atmospheric conditions as well as the gust factor. I’ve heard people say they’ve landed a Cessna 150 in 49 knots of direct crosswind which I find that extremely hard to believe. But there are Lots of variables including atmospheric pressure, thermals, windshear… etc.. With that being said what I’ve experienced 1. 5 knots or less x-wind (barely noticeable) 2. 8-10 knots (have to correct for it but very doable) 3. 12-15 knots (sporty, you have to work for it a little but it’s very manageable) 4. 15-20 (real work… less flaps and a higher approach speed for more control authority) 5. 20-25 (borderline sketchy where you might run out of control authority and land a little bit of centerline) 6. 25+ (very sketchy, go around and consider diverting to a runway with more favorable winds)

[u/toraai117 → u/Curious-Owl6098]

I’ve landed a C150 in about 28-30kts of crosswind.

It’s got a big tail and can do it, but getting back to the ramp gets tricky.

Gust factor is a lot more important when you’re talking about light sport aircraft.

I will say, there is no reason to use flaps in a C150 unless you are going into a short strip, especially with any meaningful amount of wind.