max demonstrated headwind?

[GeorgeC]

Saturday's supposed to be breezy. I was looking over the pipersport documentation and they list a max demonstrated headwind of 24 knots, distinct from the max demonstrated crosswind of 12 knots.

Why would they bother including the headwind number?

 

[Jim Logajan]

The stall speed of the Piper Sport is 42 knots. Why would flying it in a 24 knot head wind be a problem?

I have never heard of a head wind restriction.

I've flown my RV-12 (very similar to a Piper Sport) in 30 knot head winds. Van's has no restrictions on headwinds.

What am I not seeing here?

Maybe the problem is with the stability of the airplane when it makes turns during ground taxi?

 

[Jim Logajan]

If the headwind were greater than the stall speed, you wouldn't even have to start the engine. Just tie a rope to it and let the wind provide the lift!

Something like this?:

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=9f4_1321461076