I probably should have said "how a thing handles ON or near the ground. How do you know how an aircraft handles during the take off run or post landing roll-out, if you don't operate the controls during the take off and landing? I have a bit of tailwheel time, and its been my experience that it is as they slow down after landing that the directional control can get interesting! Nose-draggers with castoring nosewheels can also have their issues.