Strong Winds Aloft?

M

meritflyer

Well-Known Member
Had a student ask me what defines strong winds aloft and can't say that I had an accurate definition (we fly at 10,000-12,000).

Perhaps in excess of 20?

Your thoughts?
 
I can't why see why it would make any difference, but I would say it would depend on the airplane. If its something in the likes of a piston single, then yeah I can agree that 20 knots could make life interesting.

On the other hand, if it's a twin, I would say that you could stand another 10 knots or so.


In general, I'd venture to say that a good general answer would be 30 knots or higher is "strong". Depending on your geographic location, your thoughts may vary. 30 knots in mountainous terrain is different than 30 knots over nebraska.
 
You can't define strong winds. The best you can do is come to a consensus on the definition, which is seemingly silly. Point is, you can't define relative terms based on a single opinion.

It sounds like he is asking you to tell him how much he can handle. I'd make him create a personal limitations worksheet.
 
Strong winds - if it's resultant effect, is a lack of onboard fuel to reach your destination with suitable fuel remaining in reserve or to reach your destination at all.

Also legitimate is an unwillingness to sit in one place that long or you've got a date later that day/night which will not allow you sufficient time to grab a shower.
 
shdw said:
You can't define strong winds. The best you can do is come to a consensus on the definition, which is seemingly silly. Point is, you can't define relative terms based on a single opinion.

It sounds like he is asking you to tell him how much he can handle. I'd make him create a personal limitations worksheet.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Depends on the pilot/airframe.
 
shdw said:
You can't define strong winds. The best you can do is come to a consensus on the definition, which is seemingly silly. Point is, you can't define relative terms based on a single opinion.

It sounds like he is asking you to tell him how much he can handle. I'd make him create a personal limitations worksheet.
Click to expand...

:yeahthat: Depends what you're doing. If your just flying around, xc, or whatever.. sure, 50kt is pretty strong. Anything above 30kt is strong in my book if your flying a 172 or similar.

I haven't had too much experience with this, but so far I've seen if your doing some aerial mapping, anything above a 15kt crosswind aloft is sometimes too much.
 
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