I was flying my Sundowner into Savannah last week and this was
actually my first time into a class C without an instructor. I
monitored approach before callling - he was very busy with kerosene
burners which surprised me on a Sunday even if it was around 5pm. I
was on a long cross country and this was my final destination.

KSAV has two runways - 9/27 and 18/36. Wind was about 16 knots gusting
over 20 if I remember and it was out of 270 so I was expecting 27. I
was finally able to get my call in to approach but he vectored me to 18
while he was landing jets on 27. Hmmm, I thought for a moment to ask
for 27, but thought that would really screw up his sequencing. Well
seeing as the Sundowner is the most stable crosswind plane I've flown,
and I felt reasonably competent with it, I kept my mouth shut and set
up for 18.

Well...it turned out to be one of the most interesting landing I've
ever made. I think I had in most, if not all left rudder with the
right wing down to keep it lined up. Approach/speed was good but must
have hit a gust while trying to set it down so gave it throttle and
momentarily considered a go around - but saw all that runway ahead of
me so tried to ease it back down. This sequence repeated itself about
3 times and I was having a heck of a time trying not to drift too far
left. Finally caught a break with the gusts and set it down after
using most of the runway. Once I parked and got out I couldn't believe
how much the wind was howling... 90 degress to 18.

So I guess I'm curious as to what some of you might have done under the
circumstances - would you have asked for 27? Even though it was an
adventure, I never felt I was not in control... so maybe if you're
flying into a busy class b or c, they assume a certain level of skill?


Gary