Bringing A New Approach to The Age-Old Problem Of Teaching Crosswind Landings

In the decades (yeesh, I'm getting old) that I've been flying as a CFI, there are few skills more difficult to teach a new pilot than dealing with the vagaries of a cross wind approach. It's a tough skill to tutor because it takes so long to set up each landing and there are a myriad of tasks to accomplish during each takeoff and preparation for landing that the learning retention can often take a dive. In really good conditions, a clear pattern, no tower, and few distractions, you'd be lucky to get 5 or 6 landings in each hour... and that is IF you can find the right conditions to challenge your student.

SO... what would happen if you had the chance to do as much as twenty an hour, with complete dedication to the task at hand and without all the distractions that come with one of the worst classrooms in the world... I.e., the average cockpit? Well, we now know the answer to that questions and it can be found courtesy of RedBird Flight Simulations who has "cracked the code" to the need for a better way to teach the skillsets implicit in each crosswind landing.

The Redbird XWind teaches pilots 'the proper techniques to meet and beat these top two causes of weather-related landing accidents. By placing pilots in gusty, crosswind conditions for extended periods of time, the XWind gives the instructor all the time needed to teach the pilot the proper technique and reactions for landing in challenging crosswind conditions.'

The XWind utilizes an electric motion platform, which can be operated off a 20 Amp outlet. The XWind offers training scenarios that allow for winds up to 30 knots, gusts up to 15 knots, and plenty of wind shear and turbulence -- if your instructor deems fit (and has a somewhat sadistic streak). The XWind uses laser markers for yaw and drift, includes an on-board Hobbs meter, and (depending on your insurance carrier) the device may make you eligible for insurance discounts...

FMI: www.redbirdflightsimulations.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews