So, as I continue my transition into Maule-dom, I flew another day with my very qualified Maule pilot-owner in conditions I dreaded, but I knew were necessary to experience. We had some more snow come through the area yesterday, so there was still some snowy patches on the recently-plowed runway (although plenty of bare pavement), and we had winds 310-320@15G21 for runway 34. Crosswind practice!

So today I practiced wheel landings, on a slippery runway, with a gusty crosswind. Holy cow, that was quite a learning experience. I hadn't done any wheel landings since I got my TW endorsement a couple of summers ago, so it was about time I did some again. They were certainly appropriate for today's conditions.

We worked both with one notch of flaps and with no flaps. Turns out no flaps worked the best. Flew it onto the ground at about 70-75, let the upwind wheel touch first, full crosswind correction while letting out the power, right wheel touches, keeping it straight with rudder. Speed bled off, and the tail let itself down gently.

Not being a Mauler, I've heard all the stories about lack of rudder, etc., but I found that there was plenty, and I never felt as though I was going to run out of anything.

Of course, that was the second landing. We won't even talk about the first one. But when in doubt, go around, right? My co-pilot and mentor said that I was no way in any danger and it was easily recoverable, but go around and live to fly another day!

What a fun plane to fly! So much fun learning about this plane from an experienced pilot!

~Chris

Chris In Marshfield wrote:Not being a Mauler, I've heard all the stories about lack of rudder, etc., but I found that there was plenty, and I never felt as though I was going to run out of anything.

Then you need a stronger crosswind.

You always have plenty of rudder until you run out. You only had something like a 10kt crosswind component. That's still below the 12kt published test. Wait till you have an unforecast 18kt component, a single runway and minimum fuel.

Seriously, I'm happy with my Maule, but crosswind rudder isn't the reason why!

rw2 wrote:
Then you need a stronger crosswind.

You always have plenty of rudder until you run out. You only had something like a 10kt crosswind component. That's still below the 12kt published test. Wait till you have an unforecast 18kt component, a single runway and minimum fuel.

Seriously, I'm happy with my Maule, but crosswind rudder isn't the reason why!

I have a lot to learn