The wind started off calm, but were forecasted to worsen during my trip. No worries, I am a solo, steely eyed taildragger pilot on my way into the Maine bushcountry in a Citabria! What could POSSIBLY happen!?!
Soooo, on my way north, ducking under the Bravo Mode C Veil about 15 miles east of Boston (listening but not talking and carrying a PFD) the winds start a WHIPPIN'! Once I can climb, I do and things sorta settle down. I think to myself, this is gonna be a nice trip!
Approaching my destination in the mountains, I begin my descent. I see two of every instrument now, and need to stab at buttons in order to make them do what I desire!
Twitchell's has a 2000' strip ( http://www.airnav.com/airport/3B5 ) and the wind isn't favoring EITHER DIRECTION! I chose runway 30 because of the topography. I made an approach and had no intention of landing, just to take a peek. Well, no guts... no glory!
I came around for the second approach. I heard my instructor's voice in the back of my head. Watch the ball, airspeed, align with the centerline... AILERONS!!!
I made 3 landings out of one approach! Each time I would land, the upwind wing would lift and I would start to weathercock. Everything settled down nicely at the end of the runway. I hardly needed any brakes and was impressed with my technique. If I had a local relaible weather forecast for the backwoods (which we really DON'T have), I may have elected to drive on this otherwise VFR day. I am glad I didn't!
THAT was the day I learned about the importance of ailerons in the crosswind!
After tying the plane down (FIRMLY!) I stood there in amazement at my accomplishment! I awaited my friend's arrival and marveled at the crosswind component that was staring me in the face! It was a hot day and once on the ground, I found comfort in the wind which previously gave me such anxiety!
It could have happened in a ND, but I had a Citabria and it taught me a BUNCH! Stuff no flight instructor could have, really. Stuff you need to learn on your own.
The TD is an honest airplane that keeps it's pilot equally honest. Fly one whenever you can!
CJ
CJ
