Hello Chris,
You inquired about the utility of the Europa Monowheel as a cross countr
y plane, specifically as it pertains to winds. In the eighteenth years
of flying my Monowheel all over the United States I have never been grou
nded due to high winds other than flying into my home field. I have lan
ded the mono in some pretty strong and gusty winds flying in the desert
southwest during the summer months.
Gusts are certainly the biggest concern with the Europa or any other sma
ll plane for that matter. Just last week we had a Piper Arrow crash on
landing due to strong gusting winds. The pilot was flying into Las Vega
s from Southern California. The plane was totaled. See photo below.
I landed in similar conditions a couple of months ago. On the first lan
ding I had just touched down when I was launched back into the air by a
gust. The wind was 18 kts gusting 30 kts with a 50 degree crosswind fro
m the right. Rather than try and save the landing I did a go-around.
The tower ask me to state my intentions. I told him I would give it on
e more try before heading to another field in the area with more favorab
le wind conditions. Las Vegas is in a bowl with mountains surrounding
the valley. Fortunately, we have a couple of airports on the other side
of the mountains which make for good alternates which I have availed my
self to on occasion (especially if the wife is on board as she hates the
bumps).
I came around for the second attempt and fought it all the way down to t
he ground. The gusts were horrendous. I was jockeying the power like a
fighter pilot making a carrier landing. I was carrying quite a bit of
power when I crossed the threshold. Flying just a foot or so off the ru
nway I chopped the power and set the plane down. I am sure it wasn
=99t pretty but I did get her landed. The tower commented on the gusty
conditions and I responded, =9CI think I found the limits of the
plane.=9D
I have landed in steady winds up to 35 kts with varying crosswinds. I l
and using the crab technique, kicking out the tail and lining up with th
e centerline during the flare and aileron to control drift. If I can st
raighten out the plane with the rudder on short final I will attempt the
landing. If not, then I am landing at another airport. BTW, I make al
l my landings with full flaps regardless of the winds. I do, however, t
ake off with partial flaps though.
The Europa is a marvelous cross country plane and I wouldn=99t hes
itate taking it anywhere. That=99s not to say I don=99t ta
ke the weather and winds into consideration, I do. In fact, I have have
made plenty of unplanned layovers due to weather. It=99s the old
adage, =9CIf you fly by air, have time to spare.=9D The Eu
ropa has its limitations just like any other small plane. Plan accordi
ngly.
Blue skies,
Erich Trombley
N28ET Classic Mono 914
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