High winds - need advice - HOT

[Big Ed]

I am currently in Oklahoma City. Have to make a weather call this morning to depart. Winds are honking and I'm not sure if they exceed my current skill level. Appreciate any insight from those of you in windy locales.

I am at KPWA. Current winds are 190@25G32, with forecast to stay that way. Runway 17L is long and wide. Not too worried about crosswind on takeoff, but I am worried about taxiing.

I only have about 75 hours since I started flying again after a long break. All of my flying has been on the east coast, so I have no experience with these prairie winds. I know the correct control inputs for taxi based on wind direction. But I don't know at what point they become ineffective. Am particularly worried about a nose over when braking with a strong tailwind gust.

Any advice or tips welcome.

 

[Bob Turner]

I won't taxi out in a J3 over 25 knots reported, but the Decathlon is quite a bit heavier. Nose- overs are uncommon, but lifting a wing can happen. Go slow and be careful?

 

[Big Ed]

Current observation 30 gusting to 40, with forecast to get stronger this afternoon. Roof of the FBO is shaking. I think I am grounded.

 

[Bob Turner]

You are. Gusts to 40 is not good for any tail dragger. I did make a takeoff in 45 Kt winds once in a 180 - needed brakes to keep it straight on the takeoff roll.

 

[Rick]

I

Current observation 30 gusting to 40, with forecast to get stronger this afternoon. Roof of the FBO is shaking. I think I am grounded.

I don't miss those winds in OKC! I am outside Daytona Beach now (pretty winder here too), but if you end up needing anything up there I've still got some friends in the area.

 

[Big Ed]

Will try again tomorrow. Forecast is 180@16G22. Runway is 17L, so takeoff roll should be no problem. Just worried about long taxi with tail to wind or quartering.

 

[Bob Turner]

16G22 is not a problem for a light J3.

 

[Big Ed]

Winds were about 15 steady. Got out no problem. I think 25 or 30 is probably a good cutoff.