172 crosswind limitations

gomntwins

gomntwins

Well-Known Member
I didn't really know where to post this... but I was curious to get other people's input on what the actual crosswind limitation is for a 172 (or cherokee if you'd rather). How much of a crosswind do you think a 172 can safely handle? Personally I've landed with a 30+kt direct crosswind which was definitely not safe, and with 15-19 knot direct winds on a regular basis... but the whole range in the 20's is something I've never experienced.
 
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How much of a crosswind do you think a 172 can safely handle?

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The max demonstrated x-wind in my POH states 15 kts (2001 c172sp). It also states that it relies on pilot ability as well. A plane may be able to handle something more but it is not wise. This may be a crazy question, but I am curious as to why, if you feel it was not safe at all would you attempt to land in that?
 
15knt is the demonstrated x-wind. It specifically states in the POH that it's not a limitation. A good rule of thumb is, if you run out of rudder, go around and either try it again, or go to an airport with a more favorable runway. There are many factors that determine the x-wind capability

Again, your skill needs to be up there to handle high winds - if you fly once a month, don't try to land in 18G24 direct. (I landed in that the other day safely, so it can be done.)
 
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This may be a crazy question, but I am curious as to why, if you feel it was not safe at all would you attempt to land in that?

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I felt it was a necessity. I experienced an engine problem and decided that landing as soon as possible was the best thing to do. The oil pressure gauge was pegged, so I picked the nearest airport and landed. A couple weeks later I experienced an electrical fire in that same aircraft... that's when I stopped flying that skyhawk.
 
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The oil pressure gauge was pegged, so I picked the nearest airport and landed. A couple weeks later I experienced an electrical fire in that same aircraft... that's when I stopped flying that skyhawk.

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Smart move. Was that plane cursed?

Like everyone else said, the max DEMONSTRATED (ie test pilot in ideal conditions) is 15 kts. As far as what I would land in, something less than 15 kts. Given my current status and recency of experience, I'd probably go no higher than 8-10 kts (haven't flown since July, haven't flown a 172 since May). Pretty much if you're out of rudder, you're out of luck.
 
The increase in directional control you might assume would exist by dragging the mains onto the runway sideways isn't really there at all...

I've landed 172s from 20-30kts of crosswind a couple times...it's really no big deal as long as you're not dragging 30 degrees of flaps and you fly your approach a bit faster.

Greater than 30 knots though...you might as well land across a runway if it's 150ft wide or more...
bandit.gif
 
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