How to handle 20Kt Crosswinds in the J3 Cub (and how I Stopped myself from potentially Groundlooping

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Published 2024-05-31

The Cub only weighs 750-ish lbs so any amount of wind could have a big impact on flying the J-3. As long as you are proactive with your flight control input it isn't too overwhelming. Also a good reminder then when the tail stops flying, you better get the tailwheel down or you may find yourself headed for the weeds because you don't have tailwheel steering, and you don't have enough airflow over the Rudder to counteract the weathervaning.

All Comments (21)

@YogiCub181 4 days ago

Glad to see another Cub Pilot that can handle crosswinds!
@thomasr3972 21 days ago

Geez I'm glad you make these videos. REALLY helpful, Joe.
@user-bd5nh5eb4b 21 days ago

This and Trent ❤ best two channels on YouTube. And add Jeb Corliss and it would be as great as drinking a beer with the actual Red Baron ❤❤❤❤
@healerf18 14 days ago

Wow Joe, best video on crosswind landings I've seen. Thank you!
@Coops777 21 days ago

Thanks Joe. Brilliant visuals and advice. What a great topic for light aircraft pilots! I really liked how you discussed the various landing types and what to do. One of your best ever videos!! Loved it.
@ronjones2203 13 days ago

You can also angle towards the wind on touchdown, so that you are more aligned into the wind on touchdown, straightening out after the tailwheel comes down. A 10-15 deg decrease in the sine of the crosswind angle, can make a big difference in the crosswind component. Angling works on takeoff, too.
@michaelcarrier4374 4 days ago

There is just something about a Cub! Wow!
@salvavida24 21 days ago

Good Video and good crosswind technique, the verbal instruction was very concise and helpful. Crosswind landings are always a bit of a challenge in a tail wheel airplane, and very satisfying to do good ones. I am very impressed how you always stayed on the centerline. I have a sweet Champ with a C85-8. It loves to fly.
@EricHaskins71 14 days ago

Thx for posting this vid Sport Pilot with 70+ hours and Im still working on being more comfy in the crosswind landings. It helps a lot!
@bernardanderson3758 21 days ago

Thanks Joe for the heads ups on not getting into a Ground loop
@joelweyhe6801 14 days ago

Excellent, thank you Joe. And thanks for the blue on the stick. It helps a lot to see the movements. Pom poms on your toes would be good but I don't blame you for not doing that!
@theflyingchillipepper 21 days ago

You make it all look sooo easy. Nice job. My fox only weighs about 650lbs and it gets bullied by the wind if you dont keep on top of it, which I'm still tying to master. Love watching your videos, they inspire me to keep practicing... :)
@melaniehight2202 14 days ago

Excellent video, Joe- could not have come at a better time for me! I’ve been trying to work on my confidence in a crosswind with the J3. I still get pretty antsy if it’s over 5kts 😅 Thanks for this!
@CoastalPatrolCub 4 days ago

Great video, Joe.
@calegarieliton 6 days ago

Excelente vídeo friends! Strong like to Brasil 🇧🇷 🇧🇷 🇧🇷
@love2aviate262 14 days ago

Great video! Fantastic tips and demonstrations. From a fellow J-3 owner. :-) Liked and subscribed!
@user-on6xv2or4l 21 days ago

Best of the best!!!
@ColderHeavens 21 days ago

Awesome video, thanks! Can you share a bit more about your AoA consideration for nose down trim in gusty conditions? Do you prefer nose down trim so that you can quickly decrease your AoA in case your AoA rapidly increases and/or airspeed drops down because of a gust? I fly a Husky, so I prefer to trim back/ nose up so that I'm not fighting the trim bungees to get the tail down when I need tailwheel steering as I lose rudder authority. With nose down trim it is unfortunately very difficult to pin the tail on the ground.
@Helibeaver 21 days ago

Wow Talk about a professional aviator.
@mdnajmulislam9039 21 days ago

This plane is your favourite? How many planes do you have? Could you please tell me about airplane software architecture? How is it actually working and how to implement the software to the airplane? Could you please share the process?