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Old 18th Sep 2013, 08:03
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foxmoth
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Oop North, UK
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I've heard people (and in fact, one otherwise very well written book) advising that the stick should go progressively forward till it is full forward and the tail drops of its own accord. Makes no sense to me to try to keep one wheel airborne until you lose control and it comes crashing down! Hold a constant elevator position and let the tailwheel descend gently as the airspeed reduces. You then have some elevator authority in reserve in case you need to cushion the tailwheel touchdown.
There is actually a reason for this - wheeler landings are often done in a crosswind and keeping the tail up keeps better rudder effectiveness - especially relevant flying a Moth onto tarmac, when the skid gives NO directional stability. Not sure what you are flying, but never found the tail "crashing" down.
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