Originally Posted by
Maoraigh1
The OP says he is unhappy with his taxiing. In that situation going to a tailwheel is likely to make him much more unhappy.
You have a point, but I may say it could eventually make him proactive and develop his reflexes, he says he's grabbing the yoke and does not feel the "ailerons touching the air" which suggests he has a very precise and critical analysis of his drawbacks. I would assume overreacting or failing to react to keep the a/c pointed where he wants it to go both in the ground and in the air are making him tense and depressed.
Why not try taildraggers with a different instructor, one who, at least in the air let's you keep the controls a bit more (As you seem to be wishing)
"Double Barrel", you have noticed some improvement after hour 3 and 4, so take your time.
In flight instruction, as you progress, you will eventually sooner or later reach a point of frustration, that is when after having witnessed the satisfaction of getting it right, you will screw it up at times thereafter. This is normal and has to do with consistency. It takes time.
Carry on and try taildraggers, before it's too late that you will have to remove all those bad habits gained with a nosewheel, which most pilots can live with at the expense of greater finesse in general handling. It is demanding but does wonders.
You are aware of being tense at the controls. Start with handling in the air by developing a soft and light touch , learn how to use the rudder. Then tackle the ground aspect, which is the tough part, but very very rewarding when you will finally master it. It's trial and error, alternating frustration and satisfaction until you reach a decent level of consistency
Without rudder there is no coordination, 99% of pilots and way too many instructors have the ball off on one side or the other without even realising it especially at low speeds and during turns. And at touchdown where screeching of the tyres indicate uncorrected yaw.
I am confident as you loosen up you will overcome much of your problems, and become a better pilot overall. Carry on and good luck !