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Old 21st Apr 2005, 00:50
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SSSETOWTF
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Wenatchee, WA
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Two test pilots from the US Navy Test Pilot School died in a stream take-off in taildraggers (Extra 300s I think) a couple of years ago. Lead aborted (I believe it was something to do with too much torque too quickly and directional control difficulties, but don't quote me) and stopped on no 2's side of the runway. No radio call was made though, so no 2 rolled on time, raised the tail and got a face-full of lead's aircraft. No 2 tried to take-off early and fly over lead, but didn't quite have the speed. No 2's prop made a bit of a mess of lead's cockpit. RIP.

I don't recount the story to suggest that you shouldn't do it, but just make sure you think about what you're doing carefully and learn from others' mistakes.
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