Crosswind take-off at Spa (EBSP)
234 views · Published 8 May 2017 · 2:57 · Indexed 4 November 2026
Channel: Eric Vyncke · 2017 · Sports
On Saturday 6th of May 2017, the METAR was stating a wind from 140° 10 knots. The runway in use was 05 == full cross-wind. After take-off, it was bumpier than expected... Doing some math by comparing the Garmin VIRB ground speed in upwind and in crosswind, there is about 20 knots of difference (while keeping the airspeed unchanged); of course, wind in altitude is always stronger than wind on the ground. But, then, a message was passed to the next pilot to take-off: gusting at 19 knots. I can only admire the previous pilot in a Piper Cub PA-18 who took off in such a wind.
