I get a "kick" out of the direction these "threads" sometimes take. Most aircraft (especially Tri cycle geared) can be "crabbed" right to the "deck" on landing. (it's called inertia) The thing that makes this condition "better" for the coupe, is the "trailing arm" gear, and the design of the rigging. ( 75" tail height). If we recall, the coupe was used by Boeing to train prospective pilots on the "707". The engines were so low to the ground, it was impossible to "lower" a wing, and the aircraft had to be "crabbed" to the deck in a X-wind condition. The "inertia" factor is another reason that "X-wind" gear ( a fifties) innovation never gained much popularity, to say nothing of it's cost of manufacture. Because of the "trailing Arm" design, the fibre bushing at the Knee joint should be checked at every annual. You're only allowed a minimal amount of "play" at the centerline of the tire ( I don't have the manual here, but I think it's no more 1/4" ) This very seldom gets checked. Incidentally, the "original" pilots manual states that on occasion, the "windward" wing has a tendency to "lift" in a severe X-wind, but will settle after centerline rotation. Doug
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