Max xwind is more for legality reasons. I think the 172 is 15 knots, I know some to land them in {edit} knots and do just fine, you just have to keep your forward speed for effective airflow over your control surfaces. The stronger the xwind the less flaps you should use to keep your airspeed up (assuming you have appropriate field length). When you slow you are at the winds mercy, ie. full rudder deflection, and max aileron use and you still drift, or slide on the runway. When lift dies, you need now to be concerned with gusts fliping the plane. Be carefull. Best to just do touch and go's if you’re exceeding your demonstrated xwind component. Although your flight school probably have their own limitations that you should comply with.
Last edited by bla bla bla; 06-06-2007 at 09:33 AM.