Sideways onto downwind leg; landing at crosswind limit

By the time I returned to our field, the winds were gusting to 15 mph nearly directly across our 3,600' asphalt runway.

At pattern altitude, the wind more aligned with the runway, and the crab angle is severe, crossing over the middle of the field. Mechanical turbulence is strong enough for an uncommanded 20-degree roll on short final.

Since the houses are arrayed down our western edge on relatively level terrain with few large gaps, the eddies with a west wind are not nearly as bad as those generated by an east flow. Still, a sudden loss of wind in the flare causes a momentary one-wheel touch; then, after a short float I'm back down on the right main again. A lesser gust lifts the plane for a second, and then I pin the main onto the upwind side of the pavement.

The lateral excursion after losing some rudder authority with power reduction is not too bad, and after flaps are retracted, the rollout is uneventful.

This is near to the maximum demonstrated limit for the type; and, without assymetrical braking, it's a good thing. Plus, the SeaRey has a high CG and lots of wing area; so, a developed excursion can be much uglier than in other planes, particularly if an inexperienced pilot forgets the relationship between rudder authority and power inherent to most pushers.

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[seareytech]

Grant, the description was worded in such a way, some folks believed I was describing a downwind landing. Thanks for bringing up this important topic, though.

Please obtain instruction before using the rare airport that requires downwind operations.

[In Memory of newlywed friends Joe and Linda Kemp, killed Sept 26,1998 during a missed approach after a downwind landing attempt at their airstrip in Weatherford, Texas.]

[phongbong]

Bravo!

[grant31781]

Why did you land down wind? What was the headwind component?