Crosswind landing in the (shock!) Carenado V-35

2 minutes ago, LRBS said:

That's where we might have a disagreement. 

 

That's why there are so many accidents here in the States under Part 91 rules. 

 

Yes, demonstrated crosswind listed in the flight manual (we call it FCOM) it's not a limitation, it is how the airplane is certified.

Yes, we can operate outside of that, but when you get involved in an incident or accident you will be charged with reckless operation + other nonsense that they can think about. Unfortunately in many cases this "welcome to try any crosswind as long as their fit to personal minimums." and not knowing your real limitations brings us to serious consequences, as you noticed in that video.

 

If you do good flight planning, chances of mishaps are very slim. Wx, forecast winds, etc in our days are very accurate. Flying commercially for a living all over the globe I noticed 2 or 3 times wind busts per year.

 

Yes, small airplanes have an issue regarding 30 min fuel requirement as you mentioned. But in the US there are so many airfields and airports where you can land before your destination due to unforeseen situations without entering in the 30 min VFR requirement.

 

I'm afraid that we have different opinions on this subject.

Statistics about those issues are explanatory. 

Number one US GA accidents is contributed to loss of control in flight. Only some portion of them coming from weather VFR to IMC, CFIT, icing . The rest happens with relatively to  experience pilots and even CFI in perfect weather conditions. 

Part 91 flyers usually split in two category those who flies for please and those who flies for a leaving. For example a businessman can hire professional ATP rated pilot and operate 736 BBJ under part 91 to conduct personal business related flights (other than charters or schedule operations). So those Part 91 professionals do not involve in GA accident statistics I mentioned above. 
 

As for divination I agree flight planning is the very important . However, weather forecast not always perfect. Deviation are possible based on circumstances. Sometimes things just happens suddenly . In my line of work I got caught off guard once when forecasted heavy winds ascended suddenly 5 hours ahead of  TAF and wind aloft forecast . With hour of fuel and 100 miles area affected by adverse weather I had little choice but to deviate to airport  where gusts were milder. But yes over years most of us become “own weather man” and  more conservative to possibility of adverse weather arrival. As one of my friends said: weather man can be off 50% of the time and still keep his job lol