Crosswind taxi limitations
Posted by A988777@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 11 comments
Are there any techniques or advices other than “aileron into the wind” you guys can share to prevent tipping or prop striking an airplane when you must make a turn where you will be 90° from the wind in extreme conditions during taxi?
Does anybody believe there are wind limitations to even attempt taxiing for departure even if the strong winds are exact runway heading?
If anyone has insight or advices relatable to me and or a Piper Cherokee it would be appreciated thanks guys.
RecentAmbition3081@reddit
I fly an old tailwheel biplane with mechanical brakes. If I have too much wind from the left, I can’t make left turns. Have to go right to get to where I have to go.
SanAntonioSewerpipe@reddit
I think for a cherokee we're looking at like 40knots+ before that becomes a concern in which case I wouldn't go flying anyways. Worst case you land shut down and get a group of people to hold on to the airplane.
A988777@reddit (OP)
Thank you for your take. Yeah I see G30-40kts quite frequently at the few desired destinations I have. Luckily the wind direction isn’t random and 20° off rwy heading is the most I’ve seen it, but yeah the turning 90° to get the ol bird to parking or departure absolutely frightens me.
Legitimate-Watch-670@reddit
That's when it's time for reverse thrust! Pop open that door, and let the wind blow you backward to parking
Lamathrust7891@reddit
Cherokee as the STOL champion 2025.
grumpycfi@reddit
There are definitely limits, although they're pretty extreme for something like a Cherokee. That's a very stable airplane and you can taxi in far stronger winds than something like a Cub or other fabric taildragger. If it's the point where you can't control the plane safely then congratulations! You found the limit.
Come to think of it I dunno how you'd prop strike a Cherokee due to wind during taxi. Is there a story behind this?
shockadin1337@reddit
I almost watched a cherokee ground loop coming in during an area of convective activity with 25kt crosswind and windshear. The plane came in, touched down and then the upwind wind got picked up and the airplane began to pivot around the opposite tire and weather vane into the wind. Dude must of shit his pants and got on the controls real quick cause he managed to kick it back over and i watched the airplane roll out with ailerons completely neutral of course
RyzOnReddit@reddit
We joke around here that if you need to worry about where your ailerons are taxiing a low wing (tricycle gear), you should be strongly considering if flying in those winds is appropriate. Obviously not a 100% rule but has some truth to it.
A988777@reddit (OP)
I haven’t heard of a Cherokee prop strike exactly, but a nearby airport that’s 25-30kts daily had an incident with a student prop striking a C172 while taxiing. We see G30-40kt winds at nearby airports frequently and those are areas I travel to most often. It may seem irrational but my fear is something happening on the ground rather in the air with winds like those. Thank you for your response.
discgolfpilot@reddit
General rule of thumb the demonstrated xwind will be a start. But really you can taxi in faster wind and depending on the aircraft take off and land much higher
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Are there any techniques or advices other than “aileron into the wind” you guys can share to prevent tipping or prop striking an airplane when you must make a turn where you will be 90° from the wind in extreme conditions during taxi?
Does anybody believe there are wind limitations to even attempt taxiing for departure even if the strong winds are exact runway heading?
If anyone has insight or advices relatable to me and or a Piper Cherokee it would be appreciated thanks guys.
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