PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - A "Spicy" Tailwheel Endo?
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Old 23rd Feb 2017, 04:23
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jonkster
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Sydney
Posts: 429
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Why not ring Curtis Aviation in Camden and ask what they can do? Can't hurt. I know they used to have access to a Cessna 180 (a bit of a handful for an initial tailwheel but achievable with a bit of time) and a MX7 Maule (which will also keep you on your toes).

Explain you are willing to pay to not do it in a Citabria. NB It will almost certainly take a few hours longer to do it in a C180 or Maule than in a Citabria though. Alternatively, get it in a Citabria (a very sweet fun aeroplane BTW) and then get checked out in the different ones once you have some experience with TW.

Also ask around Camden generally - there are some J3 Cubs and Tigers hiding around there that you may be able to do it in if you know the right people to ask. The J3 is a lovely aeroplane too despite looking like a toy. It has been teaching pilots how to fly well since the 1930s. It will happily embarrass people who think it is an easy aeroplane just as much as its bigger and more modern friends and will teach good habits.

I don't know of any Chipmunks at Camden anymore (there used to be) but they are also a nice plane to get a tailwheel on if you find one. They swing the opposite way on take-off to most TW planes you will fly and the brake and flap operation on landing will make you wonder why god didn't fit us with 3 hands. Take-off and climb is maybe not J3 Cub standard but still rather leisurely compared to things like the Citabria etc... once in the air - gorgeous feel

That said, don't dismiss the Citabrias. If you can fly one of those with balance, verve, polish and confidence you are doing alright - they will make you learn that the rudder is not just for taxiing and are a sweet aeroplane to fly when you master them. They will do basic aerobatics too.
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