Reasonable flying winds?
02-15-2014, 11:13 AM
#27
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I enjoy flying in a relatively steady wind, I have a Funtana with a YS140 that is an absolute blast to fly in wind.. However, if its a Gusty wind, I have in the past drove the 30-45 mins to the field, put the plane together, took off, and after the take off and about 5 minutes, I spend the the rest of the time trying to get the plane down safely.. That is not fun..
The wind that is shown in the video seems like it was relatively steady, and I think I would have enjoyed that day!
Craig.
The wind that is shown in the video seems like it was relatively steady, and I think I would have enjoyed that day!
Craig.
02-15-2014, 02:42 PM
#30
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For competition, 25mph is ok with a little more gust.
For general flying depends on what time of plane I am flying. For something like Stryker (pusher prop, flying wing style without landing gear) anything goes as long as the wind is down the runway or Tall grass available around the flying field.
For normal aerobatic planes 20mph is not really bad, can't enjoy much, but doable.
Trainer types, I don't fly anymore than 15mph
For general flying depends on what time of plane I am flying. For something like Stryker (pusher prop, flying wing style without landing gear) anything goes as long as the wind is down the runway or Tall grass available around the flying field.
For normal aerobatic planes 20mph is not really bad, can't enjoy much, but doable.
Trainer types, I don't fly anymore than 15mph
02-15-2014, 02:55 PM
#31
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If i am not mistaken, the AMA rule for competition is a maximum of 35 miles per hour to call off an event. We cancelled a day of flying at a two day four round scale event due to winds in excess of 40 mph. The second was slightly better with winds at around 35 mph. I got to be the Ginny pig as the rookie to fly an SE 5a in fun scale novis class. Lucky me, the wind was right down the runway. I scored a 10 for take off, T&G, and landing that flight. Today at a giant scale event I flew first with wind 18 mph gusting to 25. Whoa. With a top Flite reliant !!!
Fun Fun Fun !
Fun Fun Fun !
02-15-2014, 03:32 PM
#33
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Went flying today. Wind was blowing 15 with gusts to 25. Took off no problem, banked left in the crosswind, motor died, banked downwind, tried to glide er down to the ground, lost lift, and corkscrewed down. Wind blows here everyday. Most of the time, 7-15 mph, but not today !!
02-15-2014, 03:55 PM
#34
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So just how much wind are you guys willing to fly in? What's your personal comfort limit? Obviously it depends a lot on the model and what you're used to. I hear from the guys in Oklahoma that it basically never stops blowing. 
Me, I like a nice gentle day for flying scale models but it's also fun occasionally to fly in a stiff wind where you can actually have the model moving backwards relative to the ground!
I see that tomorrow's weather forecast is for 15+ mph winds. That's probably more than I'd be willing to tackle with my SE5a. (Today we had snow.)
On the Beauford Scale this is considered a 4 = Moderate Breeze:
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/html/beaufort.shtml
Me, I like a nice gentle day for flying scale models but it's also fun occasionally to fly in a stiff wind where you can actually have the model moving backwards relative to the ground! I see that tomorrow's weather forecast is for 15+ mph winds. That's probably more than I'd be willing to tackle with my SE5a. (Today we had snow.)
On the Beauford Scale this is considered a 4 = Moderate Breeze:
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/html/beaufort.shtml
I always prefer flying in calm conditions, even with a simple Parkzone SE5a, I find it relaxing to fly low and slow when there is no wind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIcfboL7cnA
Faster planes I would happily fly in 15-25Kt winds.
Helicopters handle the wind even better, I spent 3 years living in Perth near the coast and it was very windy most of the year.
I learned to fly helicopters there in strong winds and would have no qualms flying mine in Gale force winds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq8Rx2_WwJY
I think it comes down to your own preference and comfort level.
02-15-2014, 04:12 PM
#36
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I agree with you rv, it's been in the 20's here for the last month. Today it was 72. Time to fly. My LA Racer flew great today in the wind. Thin wing chord, pretty aero dynamic, it doesn't really mind the wind unless you lose half the elevator like I did today. I limped it in, lucky I got er back on the ground.
02-15-2014, 04:56 PM
#37
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I once had a dead stick occur W/my Sr Telemaster about 200 yds down wind on a very windy, gusty day.
The plane was just about stationary as far as forward airspeed & I landed it way out in a picked corn field. I did some damage the rear of the fuse, but is easily fixed.
Last edited by SrTelemaster150; 02-15-2014 at 05:15 PM.
02-15-2014, 07:30 PM
#39
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If i am not mistaken, the AMA rule for competition is a maximum of 35 miles per hour to call off an event. We cancelled a day of flying at a two day four round scale event due to winds in excess of 40 mph. The second was slightly better with winds at around 35 mph. I got to be the Ginny pig as the rookie to fly an SE 5a in fun scale novis class. Lucky me, the wind was right down the runway. I scored a 10 for take off, T&G, and landing that flight. Today at a giant scale event I flew first with wind 18 mph gusting to 25. Whoa. With a top Flite reliant !!!
Fun Fun Fun !
Fun Fun Fun !
For me 25mph sustained more than dangerous enough. 11pound planes (pattern/FAI) will be blown away if not held down at 30mph or beyond. Beside, try carrying the plane to runway from pit area with wind over 25. Not a good idea.
For IMAC with 100cc or larger engines, even the 35 shouldn't be a lot of problems although I've never seen one flying beyond 30mph personally.
02-15-2014, 09:22 PM
#41
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Oil Can Harry,
WOW, that looks a little scary!! luckily the actual elevator wasn't ripped off with the Horizontal Stab.. Had that elev been ripped up, might have been a completely different pic that you would have posted..
Must have been an exciting / nerve wracking / scary all at the same time kind of landing!
Craig.
WOW, that looks a little scary!! luckily the actual elevator wasn't ripped off with the Horizontal Stab.. Had that elev been ripped up, might have been a completely different pic that you would have posted..
Must have been an exciting / nerve wracking / scary all at the same time kind of landing!
Craig.
02-15-2014, 09:25 PM
#42
Airplanes need wind to fly. If you were sitting on the wing tip of the most docile trainer on a calm day, while it was in flight, you would feel 70 mph winds. Airplanes need wind to fly.
Anything under 40 mph and I'm flying. With the right plane, there is no limit.
This in me and another nutter. 10 deg F and 35 mph winds. Flannel lined jeans, hat, wool socks, gloves.... Perfect!
Last edited by wjvail; 02-15-2014 at 09:31 PM.
02-15-2014, 09:39 PM
#43
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I agree with you rv, it's been in the 20's here for the last month. Today it was 72. Time to fly. My LA Racer flew great today in the wind. Thin wing chord, pretty aero dynamic, it doesn't really mind the wind unless you lose half the elevator like I did today. I limped it in, lucky I got er back on the ground.
Looks like you lost 1/2 of the horizontal stabilizer too.
02-15-2014, 11:20 PM
#44
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Lots of interesting responses here! Me, I did the two hour drive to the field this morning and found no one there. Eventually one other guy showed up, a guy who normally flies a huge Extra, but we both decided the wind was stronger than we cared for...which is to say we both cared for the models we had too much to fly in that wind. But it really wasn't that bad. If I had had my old Puppeteer model (or one of the many ARFs I've owned) I definitely would have flown since it was otherwise a beautiful day.
I might even have flown the SE5a if I were a bit more familiar with it.
I might even have flown the SE5a if I were a bit more familiar with it.
02-16-2014, 01:26 AM
#45
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The only poster who has made any sense is the individual who commented on helicopters. Wind aloft is no danger it is the surface wind that is a killer. I have flown in winds of above 15mph with no problem until you land and this is were high winds will get you into trouble.
02-16-2014, 05:28 AM
#47
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Wind directly down the runway, so that you have a head wind is no problem. But now a crosswind is a totally different animal. EVERY aircraft whether it be a model or real life full size aircraft, has a crosswind component limitation. Which in simple terms means, that in certain velocity cross winds no matter how good the aircraft is, or the pilot is, the aircraft will be unable to maintain straight flight. That is why they publish " Cross Wind Component " numbers/wind speeds in real time aircraft manuals.
Ever see one in a model manual ? LOL
Ever see one in a model manual ? LOL
02-16-2014, 07:41 AM
#50
But now a crosswind is a totally different animal. EVERY aircraft whether it be a model or real life full size aircraft, has a crosswind component limitation. Which in simple terms means, that in certain velocity cross winds no matter how good the aircraft is, or the pilot is, the aircraft will be unable to maintain straight flight. That is why they publish " Cross Wind Component " numbers/wind speeds in real time aircraft manuals.
Bill
Last edited by wjvail; 02-16-2014 at 10:58 AM.