Date: 201505
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Weather elements / visibility: 10
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Luscombe Model 8/Luscombe 50
Operator: Personal
Operating under: Part 91
Flight plan: None
Mission: Training
Flight phase: Landing
Airspace: Class D ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Tower ZZZ
Aircraft component: Rudder Control System
Component problem: Improperly Operated
Reporter organization: Personal
Reporter function: Instructor
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Human factors: Situational Awareness
Second reporter function: Pilot Flying
Anomaly: Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Excursion Runway
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Contributing factors: Human Factors; Weather
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: While approaching the airport; the ATIS reported winds 'Variable at 06 kts gust to 17 kts runway XX l&R in use.  I was given landing permission while still 4 miles west of the airport. Assuming that being given landing permission that far out there was no other traffic I requested landing on runway XX Left. The reported winds were 'Variable' I was approved to land on XX Left. On short final the tower reported winds 190 at 06 kts gusting to 17 kts. I decided to continue because that was as close to a 90 degree cross wind and it would not make any difference which runway was used. After touching down using a wheel landing technique; I experienced a gust of wind from the right that my student was slow to correct for so the aircraft left the hard surface portion of the runway and went into the grass portion. I assisted the student in returning to the hard surface and we taxied to the hanger. While taxing the tower asked if I would give them a call. After stopping and truing off the aircraft I called the tower and the tower operator asked for contact information and if everything was 'OK'. I gave the information requested and acknowledged that all was OK.


Second narrative: While conducting a training flight with my instructor; we approached the airport. A check of ATIS reported variable winds at 06 kts; with gusts to 17 kts. After being given landing permission; my instructor and I determined the wind was approximately 90 degrees off of runway heading; and radioed the tower requesting permission to make a 'straight-in' approach to runway. Tower clearance was given and my instructor and I continued to make the approach. On short final approach; tower reported winds of 190 at 06 kts gusting to 17 kts. After a brief discussion with my instructor; we decided to continue the approach. Due to the gusting winds; we completed a 'wheel landing'. Shortly after making the landing; a gust of wind caused the aircraft to turn to the right. While attempting to correct for the gust; the aircraft left the hard surface of the runway and traveled for a short time on the grass immediately adjacent to the paved surface. With guidance from my instructor; we made the appropriate corrections; returned to the hard surface; and taxied to the hanger. Tower controller requested a telephone call; which my instructor made. There was no damage or injuries.


Synopsis: A pilot and instructor in a Luscombe experienced a loss of directional control on landing due to gusty winds; resulting in a runway excursion.