Page 21 - Volumne 18 Number 5

WeatherWhen the breezes pick Wind, after all, means turbulence, probably had similar experiences.up, my non-pilot friendswill invariably ask “How much wind can you fly in?” Setting aside their grammatical error, I try to separate my responses into the possible and practical; “There’s no real limit to the airplane’s ability to fly in wind,” I opine, “but you may want to give up at some point, to avoid a bad experience.”MAY 2014TWIN & TURBINE • 19and the accompanying wind shear can be a serious hazard when operating at low speed, close to the ground.Our heavier general aviation airplanes can be operated in stronger winds than light aircraft, but that doesn’t mean there’s no practical limit to flying in the wind. Passengers and crew are better served by avoiding the discomfort and risks of heavy winds. I’ve been out on some very windy days andreally didn’t enjoy the adventure; one landing was enough, thank you very much. You’veThat said, if you’re already up there, you’re going to have to land, in whatever wind happens to exist.That doesn’t mean options aren’t available when faced with a wind challenge. Evaluating conditions for a decision to make a flight presents you with the first choice, one of staying on the ground, and that’s a wise election if you know you’re pushing the aircraft’s limitations. Your flight department or operations manual no doubt has published wind component guidelines, providing you with support for your decision not to launch. Remind yourself of how much trouble you’re going to have justifying your action, should you come to grief while ignoring thebook’s warning.