Final answer:
Landing flaps are discouraged with crosswinds greater than 15 Knots due to the potential stresses on the landing gear from the side loads. Crosswind exerts a sideways force on the aircraft, increasing the load on the landing gear and potentially causing structural damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Landing flaps are generally discouraged with crosswinds greater than 15 Knots due to the potential stresses the side loads impart on the landing gear. When landing in crosswind conditions, the crosswind component exerts a sideways force on the aircraft, increasing the load on the landing gear. This can lead to increased wear and tear, as well as potential structural damage.
For example, if an airplane with landing flaps deployed is landing in a crosswind of 20 Knots, the flaps can create additional lift on one side of the aircraft, causing it to roll or tilt. This puts extra stress on the landing gear, which may not be designed to handle such side loads. Therefore, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and avoid using landing flaps in high crosswind conditions.