Originally Posted by
Clay Hammond
Wheel it on...without a doubt. I find that in steady or gusty crosswinds, either way, if one tries to three point it you will get drift right their in the transition as you slow to the touchdown. Wheeling it on keeps your flying speed slightly elevated and grants you more authority in the transition to touchdown. Hold the tail up as long as you need to. 15-18 direct across is the most I've handled, and its was trying to pick up the wing at times...no fun. Any more than that and I have landed with an angle across the runway if wide enough, or set down on a crossing taxiway if it is feasible. I've done it, never had an airport type harp at me. The little airports where it is sometimes required are generally run by folk who understand. Big airports usually have a crossing runway, so not a problem there most of the time.
No flaps for me in heavy wind. Treat it like a bug J-3/PA-11 and leave 'em be. If you do use a notch or two, recover the flap as soon as you touchdown...I mean the very instant. Kills the lift and may help you keep it stuck.