Cessna 152 wind maximums?

Question

I'm supposed to fly tomorrow, but there's supposed to be wind. The wind is forcasted at 23mph. Can a Cessna 152 safley fly in these wind conditioins? Just fly around the pattern a few times?

Answer 1

It depends on the direction. If it's 23 kts straight down the runway, you're good to go. If it's 23 kts at 90 degrees off the runway that's almost double the maximum certified crosswind component of a 152. Determine the wind components.

Answer 2

Depending on pilot skill, a C152 can fly in wind speeds well over, or well under that number. Same with the crosswind component, albeit if you are flying in winds 2X the maximum demonstrated crosswind, the FAA guys will have you jump some hoops should anything happen.

What you need to do, is fly with a local CFI and determine what you are comfortable with, and what you are safe with. Those are 2 non-negotiable values. Ie, if comfort is exceeded, dont fly under any extraneous pressure. If saftey is exceeded don't fly at all. If you are returning from a trip, and the winds are above your comfort value, use an alternate or be extra diligent if you are not under pressure. If they are above your safe limit, divert to another airport. (Ideally flight planning would keep you from departing when the comfort value is exceeded, thus giving you some margin should they increase).

Remember, an accident is comprised of a chain of events, keep the chain from starting with flight planning, and prior go/no-go decision points, and you will be fine.

Ron Amundson CFI