PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Taildragger three point vs wheel landings - Cultural?
Old 21st Sep 2016, 19:11
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Colibri49
 
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0et96eefLM


It has a really effective rudder, as also are the other surfaces powerful and effective. But the stated crosswind limit is 15 knots, which should be well respected. Many pilots of this type of aircraft won't risk a crosswind component in double figures and several have converted their aircraft to tricycle configuration.


The distance between the mono main-wheel and the steerable tailwheel is short in the early version, which can result in quick excursions left or right during the landing roll as the speed reduces and the rudder loses effectiveness.


Even the later models with extended tailwheels only partially solved the problem of directional instability on landing. Even so, many mono-wheel examples are to be found and those who feel that they have mastered such quirkiness are very happy with the extra performance and load carrying capability afforded by the mono.


Gliders use a similar undercarriage arrangement, but their long wings have extra inertia which helps with straightness on landing.
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