F
F
L
L
I
I
G
G
H
H
T
T
T
T
R
R
A
A
I
I
N
N
I
I
N
N
G
G
S
S
U
U
P
P
P
P
L
L
E
E
M
M
E
E
N
N
T
T
for SPORT
STAR
Light Sport Aircraft
Document No.: S2006FTSUS Revision: -
Date of Issue: 15/01/2006
Page:
75/130
4.7.12 Crosswind
Taxiing
The crosswind can affect the directional control of the airplane, so the
control system should be used to eliminate the airplane weather cocking
tendency.
However, the Sportstar is equipped in the tri-cycle gear configuration and
the tendency to weather cock is less than that of a tail wheel configuration.
The main wheels being located farther aft and also the friction of the nose
wheel helps to resist the tendency to weather cock.
A quartering crosswind can cause the upwind wing to have a tendency to
rise. This tendency is eliminated by the aileron system (by placing the
upwind aileron up). Since the Sportstar is a low-wing monoplane, its wing is
not too affected by quartering crosswinds. The effect of applying aileron is
slight. Pushing on the control stick causes a higher loading of the nose
wheel which increases the efficiency of the nose wheel steering during
turns.
Downwind taxiing requires less engine power after the initial ground roll has
begun , because the wind will be pushing the airplane forward. To avoid
overheating the brakes when taxiing downwind, keep engine power to a
minimum.
The Sportstar airplane was tested during certification for maximum
crosswind and headwind component to safely takeoff and land using
average pilot technique and skill. On the basis of these tests and also from
the experience gained from servicing the airplane the limitations shown in
Aircraft Operating Instructions for SPORTSTAR Light Sport Aircraft were
established.
