PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Tricks of the trade for flying tailwheel?
Old 15th Nov 2020, 16:12
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Momoe
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: England
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Take off's are fairly straight forward, once you've got the hang of keeping the nose pointed straight down the runway, it's muscle memory and after a few goes you'll put in the right amount of boot to keep her straight.

Landings are slightly different, tail draggers will ground loop if you don't stay ahead of the plane. Tap dancing is a good description, bear in mind you won't have power so less rudder authority, you may need full rudder to stop incipient swings. Hand on the throttle to give more authority to the rudder if needed (or to go around if you're not comfortable).
Control your speed as always, don't come in hot and wheel it on, especially with a cross wind component. Try and stall it on with stick right back as you land, any energy you lose before landing is a bonus,

Agree with previous comments about grass being kinder than tarmac, tarmac with a cross wind component can be challenging, my experience is Piper Super cub and Auster Autocrat, other types may differ.
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