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3 Answers

Landing in gusty conditions/high winds

Asked by: 5047 views General Aviation, Private Pilot

Greetings,

I'm just curious what some other people do when landing in winds that are more moderate. Generally speaking around 12+ knots with some gust factor in pipers, or cessnas. I usually like to come in a little faster, at around 75 - 80 mph, I believe that's around 70 or so knots, but lately I've been floating a longer than I'd like to. Any tips?

Thanks,

3 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Aug 23, 2016

    If we’re talking light piston aircraft, just the standard – same final approach speed as in no-wind conditions plus 1/2 of the gust factor.

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  2. Mitchell L Williams on Aug 24, 2016

    In the really big Oklahoma winds I like to keep about Vy until on the ground, then flare just enough to land in the mains first.

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  3. Christopher Ian on Aug 05, 2017

    Gusts and strong wind are different. 1/2 gust factor added to speed, more if gusts are very high above steady wind, especially close to the ground.
    Strong winds are a factor pushing you fast along downwind, away on cross or base leg, then halting you on final.
    Adjust. I was taught, never give up the runway. Anywhere clise to diwnwind on the 45, too low, too far, my first CFI would cut the power. Anywhere in the pattern you should make the runway if your engine quits. I learned dead stick landings, any wind.
    Abeam the numbers, power is near idle, small adjustments, glide slope is steeper than most pilots, and safer. Strong wind, relying on power to motor you on final is a bad habit.
    If you are fliating, you have excess energy. If you have a lot of runway, no problem, but consistency, ability tomjudge and flare, touchdown where you expect is more important.
    Maneuvering into and out of airports is critical, judgment, calculation, assessment.
    An excellent pilot is one who can touchdown in the same spot w no wind, steady 12 or 8 gusting to 16.

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