taking off in a cross wind
Mention flying in crosswinds, even to experienced model pilots and watch them wince
as they recollect horrors past!
Most flyers try their best to avoid flying, particularly taking off and landing in cross
winds. This is quite natural because where possible it is always preferable to take off and
land directly into wind.
However, there are times when this isn’t possible and pilots have to consider techniques
and skills to deal with crosswinds. This can include limited access runways and public
displays where there is a set runway and flightline. As always, if you’re not sure, you are
always best to ere on the side of caution and not fly if you are unsure of your ability to
deal with the conditions.
Taking Off in a Crosswind:
There is a difference to be noted by pilots in whether the crosswind is blowing you in or
out from the runway, pits and pilot’s stance. It is even more critical to get things right if
the wind is blowing the model towards you, the pits or other people. The model type is
also critical to your chances of success. For example, lightly loaded high wing models
with dihedral and tricycle undercarriages are amongst the most difficult…….Yes, I know,
this accurately describes your average club trainer!
At this point if you are an inexperienced pilot, then it might be time to question and
consider if it is really a good idea to continue!
Assuming the wind isn’t too strong and you want to proceed, you need to be prepared
for what to expect. If the wind is trying to tip the model over whilst it’s still stationary on
the runway, then this might be another opportunity to reconsider and quit before you
potentially damage your model or end up hurting yourself or someone else.
I love to fly large aerobatic biplanes and they are significantly more affected by
crosswinds than monoplanes.
As you ease open the throttle be prepared to keep the wings level with careful
application of a little aileron towards the wind. At the same time, you need to
concentrate on keeping the model tracking straight down the runway with your rudder.
Be ready for the point at which the wheels start to leave the ground. The plane will likely
try to yaw into the wind straight away. Keep it level on ailerons and allow the model to
climb away steadily.
Don’t try to haul it off too early, there is always the risk of a stall, and in a crosswind you
won’t stand a chance of saving the model.
Remember to use a little rudder against the wind to stop the model blowing off line or
potentially over the flight line in an in blowing crosswind.
If the model starts to lift a wing or veers off sharply with the wind as you begin your take
off run, cut the throttle immediately and abort the take off. To do otherwise is too risky
and the model won’t be in full control at this point. Lightly loaded, high wing models and
biplanes represent the worst possible case scenario. If the model is more heavily loaded,
like a jet for example, it is easier to keep the model on track with subtle use of the
rudder, but you must remember to allow enough speed to build up first before slowly
and gradually taking to the air.
At all times you should be ready to compensate with aileron to keep the model level and
as it begins to climb out, particularly in in-blowing winds, gently bank the model away
from the flightline. Models that require a longer take off run need a bit more sustained
skill and deft of touch on the rudder to keep them on line in blustery crosswind
conditions.
Keeping Things in Shape in the Air:
If your goal is to fly accurate aerobatic schedules or freestyle routines in a crosswind,
your internal computer, otherwise known as your brain, is working overtime to
compensate for the wind trying to knock you off course! The important thing to
remember is that you are trying to keep the model’s centre of gravity (CG) as the point of
reference in any lines you draw in the sky. This is much easier said than done and it
usually takes years of flying to get anywhere close to this ideal.
Real pros can make it look like there is no wind blowing at all, the only clue you get from
the ground that there is a crosswind blowing is the pronounced yet constant yaw of the
model as it traces an arrow straight line in the sky relative to the ground.
(Well, that’s the theory anyway!) I must confess that I find this easier with large petrol
powered monoplanes. Well designed F3A machines do this very well indeed, it is a big
part of their design brief.