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High wind limits for the 601 series?

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larry(at)macsmachine.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 4:55 pm Post subject: High wind limits for the 601 series?

Hi Guys,



I must inquire as to what constitutes maximum wind conditions for the 

tri-gear 601HDS. I’ve been flying in 13 to 20 mph winds and don’t feel 

too uncomfortable having three runways 100 feet wide and a mile or more 

long, but lately, the winds are getting up to 26 with gusts to 30 mph. I 

was supposed to have the transponder-altimeter check tomorrow, but asked 

for a rescheduling because of the predicted winds. Does anyone have a 

set of limits for the light-aircraft 601 series? It would be nice to 

have others opinions relative to experiences. I've flown in 25-mph 

conditions, but never felt too comfortable. What’s safe and what becomes 

risky?



Just trying to stay in one piece,,,,,,,

Thanks,



Larry McFarland 601 at www.macsmachine.com

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Ron Lendon

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 685
Location: Clinton Twp., MI

Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:03 pm Post subject: Re: High wind limits for the 601 series?

Larry,



My first flight in the XL was 17kts gusting to 25kts and all landings were 30 to 40 degree crosswind.  The full flying rudder really makes that very controllable.  As far as what's safe, you answered that question yourself.  Your personal limits are what matters most not the limits of the aircraft.



Side note, rode the Light Sport Recumbent for the first time Saturday without shift or brakes, think I'm gonna like it.



See ya next week.



Fly safe,

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_________________
Ron Lendon
WW Corvair with Roy's Garage 5th bearing
CH 601 XLB
N601LT - Flying
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Corvair Engine Prints:
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challgren(at)mac.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:38 pm Post subject: High wind limits for the 601 series?

Larry:



I landed in Rapid City in 42 knot winds gusting to 51 in our HDS.  The  

wind was about 45 degrees from runway heading.  When I exited the  

runway and went to a direct cross wind I was picked up and slid across  

the taxiway.  Thinking I had blown a tire, I shut down and asked  

ground control for some help.  They sent out two guys who hadn't  

missed a meal in years and they held the wings down while I taxied to  

a hangar.



Talking to Chris Heintz at Oshkosh about the incident, he confirmed  

that was one of the reasons for the big rudder and oversize ailerons.   

My feeling is that the 601 HDS can easily handle a 25 knot direct  

cross wind if there are no other options.  Having said that, I think  

your 26-30 mph winds are a reasonable cutoff point when you have other  

options than taking off.



Stan



On Mar 31, 2008, at 6:50 PM, LarryMcFarland wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 >

 Hi Guys,



 I must inquire as to what constitutes maximum wind conditions for  

 the tri-gear 601HDS. I’ve been flying in 13 to 20 mph winds and  

 don’t feel too uncomfortable having three runways 100 feet wide and  

 a mile or more long, but lately, the winds are getting up to 26 with  

 gusts to 30 mph. I was supposed to have the transponder-altimeter  

 check tomorrow, but asked for a rescheduling because of the  

 predicted winds. Does anyone have a set of limits for the light- 

 aircraft 601 series? It would be nice to have others opinions  

 relative to experiences. I've flown in 25-mph conditions, but never  

 felt too comfortable. What’s safe and what becomes risky?



 Just trying to stay in one piece,,,,,,,

 Thanks,



 Larry McFarland 601 at www.macsmachine.com

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ashontz

Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 723

Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 3:34 am Post subject: Re: High wind limits for the 601 series?

That's gotta be quit an experience. Seems like much over a 15kt crosswind, particulary gusty, in a 152 started to get a little hairy and uncomfortable. Nice to know these things handle better than that.  Just from memory and quick calculations, it appears as though a 152 at gross and a 601XL at gross would have about the same wing loading, so the overall bulk feel of the two should be about the same, but I'm sure that big rudder makes a difference.

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Tim Juhl

Joined: 21 Mar 2006
Posts: 488
Location: "Thumb" of Michigan

Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:32 am Post subject: Re: High wind limits for the 601 series?

When preflighting unfamiliar piper low wings I always feel under the wingtip to check for scratches.  Using the wing-low technique in a crosswind can drag a wing tip if the wind is strong enough.  I assume the same might be possible in a XL.



I have a couple of stories about  being blown around on the ground.  I once landed my Champ in a crosswind so strong that when I finally let the tail down the side wind on the tail pushed it to the side and unlocked the tailwheel so that I couldn't steer it.  I kept it on the runway but needed wing walkers and a guy holding the tail to get it back to the hangar.   Another time I landed at Great Falls Montana (in a 172) just ahead of a thunderstorm and got the plane chained down just before the gust front hit.  I watched the plane literally flying in it's chains which is all that kept it from being blown away.  



What you can take from all this is that it is one thing getting your XL on the ground... another keeping it there  



Tim



Do not archive

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______________
CFII
Champ L16A flying
Zodiac XL - Jabiru 3300A
Almost done! It'll fly in spring!

grant.corriveau(at)telus.
Guest

Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:36 am Post subject: High wind limits for the 601 series?

My 601HDS has excellent cross-wind capabilities due to the low/small wing and strong landing gear.  The controls are also quick enough to handle most gustiness that I'm ever hoping to fly in.  But again, the airplane is only as responsive as the pilot - and some days this particular pilot is in better shape than others.



As with most things, the more regularly I've flown in wind and turbulence in a particular aircraft model the more my "comfort" envelope expands.  But if I haven't flown for a while, I back off the old envelope and start re-expanding it gradually.

My bottom line is "It's supposed to be fun."  After 30+ years of flying in all sorts of "difficult" weather because I was getting paid to, I now take this "fun" requirement very seriously  ... 

If I won't enjoy it - I don't bother.  Regardless of what the book values are.  I hope this is helpful Larry for making your own go/no go calls.  Always part of the challenge of flying. <grin>

Grant Corriveau



grant.corriveau(at)telus.net (grant.corriveau(at)telus.net)

-----------------------------

The Wings Stayed On!

-----------------------------



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