high altitude wind
 

I went last weekend to the field here in Redmond WA. The weather was nice [X(](unbeliveble) and on Satutday I could only watch some crazy guys trying to fly under winds of 30mi/h or more crossing the runroad, mostly crash landing! When home sad![:o]
Went back to the field next day, 8am, and there were already 7 guys flying:D.
The wind was calm, but after I take off with my trainner and manage the first turn to pass over the runway, I couldn't believe what happened. The plane just rotate and started to go down like I was acting the ailerons, but I wasn't. I thought there was some interference or the radio just screwed up, but somehow I could get back control and bring it back.
For a moment, I considered the plane crashing and was preparing to go pick up the pieces.
After landing, I could hear the other guys saying that the wind up there was crazy!:) and I guess it was the reason for my plane loosing control. On later flights, I could then be more carefull with the wind but nothing would compare to the first time I lost control.

It seemed the trainner just recovered by itself, then I took control. Is there any other advice when something like this happen?

Nilo

RE: high altitude wind
 

The dihedral and flat bottom aerofoil of the wing make for squirrely handling in windy conditions.

Advice?

Remain calm. DON'T PANIC! Land between gusts (if possible). Don't fly too far downwind while waiting. Keep some altitude (you think high altitude heavy winds are bad? The low ones are much worse;)).

Our club is on a hilltop with one runway that faces the prevailing West wind. There is a tree covered steep slope, and out of sight on a portion of that slope is an acre pond. Some days the turbulance and downdraft, followed immediately by the wind rushing down the 600 ft runway, just turns your knees to jelly. The trick seems to be to land at as steep an angle as you can.

RE: high altitude wind
 

Never quit flying the plane, till at least 3 seconds after you are sure it hit the ground. I have saved more planes that should have crashed simply because I never quit flying it. Don't be a spectator if your plane goes nuts. Fly it and save it.

Good lesson. Winds do strange things. Glad you came out ok.

RE: high altitude wind
 

Last saturday, the wind was cross the runway causing down drafts at both ends of the runway (causing two crashes) and the air at altitiude was inline with the run way.

RE: high altitude wind
 

The wing can do some crazy stuff... dead calm at surface and 20+ mph at 100 ft. then another 200 ft up the wind can be going the opposite direction.

This is the type of stuff they call "wind shear." Sudden changes in wind speed and or direction with a minor altitude change. Normally its found in the vicinity of strong thermal activity or storm cells. (strong thermals plus a storm cell = thunderstom and you would be best not flying then:eek:)

RE: high altitude wind
 

Those winds are pretty normal at our field. We're kind of at the bottom of a pretty large hill with trees to that side of the field. Once you clear the trees on take-off, the wind will catch the plane.

Not much you can do except keep flying it. You WILL get use to wind eventually. ;)
Dennis-

RE: high altitude wind
 

I agree, people complain about the wind but I tell them that the wind is just another obstical or aspect of flying that they need to learn to deal with.

RE: high altitude wind
 

I love a good 10-15 mph wind. To me it makes it more fun and exciting flying. Our strip runs beside a Lake dam and you can get some very odd thermals comming from the lake and wind currents from the dam but that keeps us on our toes. We have only had a few crashes on landings but those were mainly from "dumb thumbs".

RE: high altitude wind
 

Step 1 - LEVEL THE WINGS!!!!!!!!

Step 2 - Remain calm (Yes, "remain calm" comes AFTER leveling the wings)

Step 3 - If you are in a dive, chop the throttle and pull up

Step 4 - Continue to fly the plane

By far, leveling the wings is THE most important thing to do. If your wings are not level, pulling "UP" will only make things worse.

RE: high altitude wind
 

Hint: I allways look at the thermal birds (Hawks) on my way to the field. If their fighting for level flight with their wings folded up like a "V" I turn around and go home! ;)

RE: high altitude wind
 

That's all I was going to say. Just stay with it and you'll recover more than you don't.

I remember one time a guy I was helping was headed straight for the trees. I kept telling him to give the tx and he wouldn't. Finally he threw the tx to me... not kidding about that. All I had time to do was yank back on the elevator and hope for the best. It went straight up the tree line and stalled at the top. Pushed the nose down and then prayed that it had enough airspeed not to go into the trees. Ended up having to fly it way far away in the same direction because any attempt to turn at that speed would have dropped it in the trees.

Anyway, I eventually got it back, but it was like landing a fish - a constant struggle and staying with it, being patient and not panicking.

BTW - You must have done something right to save your plane considering the conditions and your experience. Really it's something to brag about. :) Great job! [sm=thumbup.gif]

RE: high altitude wind
 

Pre step 1.

Look at the tops the tallest trees, around me they're 70-100 ft tall if the tops are blowing then you can make a decision as to whether or not to fly!!!

Can't tell you how many times just the tops are blowing

RE: high altitude wind
 

One have a wind sock in the middle of the flying zone and we have a sock in the pits. At times there is a BIG difference in what the two socks are doing.

RE: high altitude wind
 

I love it when the wind seems to swirl. Actually I hate it! Ya never know what is upwind or downwind.The only place I really experience this is at home though. My property is bordered by a large line of trees to the west and south and I think thats puts some sort of swirling effect to the wind.

RE: high altitude wind
 

It does get your attention. I have learned to fly high just above stall and let the plane come in decending vertically with the wings level. There is still alot of horizontal movement and I usually run out of elevator before I land so I land hard but it brings my plane home to daddy.