At what wind speed are landing flaps discouraged due to side load stress on landing gear?

Landing flaps are designed to increase lift and improve aircraft control during landing, but they can also have an adverse effect in gusty winds or crosswinds. When winds reach a certain speed, they can create significant side loads on the landing gear during touchdown.

The recommended threshold for discouraging the use of landing flaps is at 10 knots. At this wind speed, the aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft can lead to an increase in the lateral stress on the landing gear components, which could result in structural damage or increased wear. This is particularly critical for aircraft like the T-6A, where the integrity of the landing gear is vital for safe operations.

When pilots are aware that side load stress may become a concern, they can make informed decisions about flap usage to maintain safety and aircraft performance during landing, opting for a configuration that minimizes these risks.