Taildragger conversion training recommendations
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Tall people in small 'planes
Hi Will
Good to know that - I did wonder if there might be a problem there. If you're the same size as me and can the Jodel comfortably, then that sounds a good bet.
I think I'll take a trip to White Waltham at the weekend - there was a share in a Jodel going there.
Good to know that - I did wonder if there might be a problem there. If you're the same size as me and can the Jodel comfortably, then that sounds a good bet.
I think I'll take a trip to White Waltham at the weekend - there was a share in a Jodel going there.
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Tiger Club - first choice - but distance
I've known of the Tiger Club since starting gliding a couple of decades ago - just too far away to travel there. But they would be my first choice because of their enthusiasm, history and stories.
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Cross wind landings with a conventional undercarriage
Hi rusty sparrow,
Whoever you go to, don't be satisfied unless and until you have been taught to do 'wheeler' (aka 'roller') cross wind landings.
Most places these days only teach the two point method, where you stall the aircraft on, putting down your into wind main wheel and tailwheel first. (I believe there are some places around that don't teach cross wind landings at all). The two point method is OK for light to moderate cross winds, but not good enough for a strong cross wind.
With the 'roller' you fly the aircraft onto the ground still with some flying speed. You then hold the aircraft straight and level on the runway as she loses speed. You end up at the far end of the runway whith full into wind aileron and full away from wind rudder.
If you want to look it up, you will find this subject in 'The Compleat Taildragger Pilot' by H. S. Plourde.
Broomstick.
Whoever you go to, don't be satisfied unless and until you have been taught to do 'wheeler' (aka 'roller') cross wind landings.
Most places these days only teach the two point method, where you stall the aircraft on, putting down your into wind main wheel and tailwheel first. (I believe there are some places around that don't teach cross wind landings at all). The two point method is OK for light to moderate cross winds, but not good enough for a strong cross wind.
With the 'roller' you fly the aircraft onto the ground still with some flying speed. You then hold the aircraft straight and level on the runway as she loses speed. You end up at the far end of the runway whith full into wind aileron and full away from wind rudder.
If you want to look it up, you will find this subject in 'The Compleat Taildragger Pilot' by H. S. Plourde.
Broomstick.
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crosswind landings
Broomstick
Thanks for that bit of advice - I'd feel cheated if I didn't get good instruction on crosswind landing.
I had a passenger flight at Sywell in a Tiger Moth back in August of this year (the prompt for me to go back to flying) - the pilot had a bit of a crosswind and flew it onto the ground as you describe.
The Compleat Taildragger Pilot looks well worth getting.
Cheers
Brian
Thanks for that bit of advice - I'd feel cheated if I didn't get good instruction on crosswind landing.
I had a passenger flight at Sywell in a Tiger Moth back in August of this year (the prompt for me to go back to flying) - the pilot had a bit of a crosswind and flew it onto the ground as you describe.
The Compleat Taildragger Pilot looks well worth getting.
Cheers
Brian
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Hi R.S, think from memory the jodel group used to be a D120 at W.W(G-BICR ?) tall lads can fit into them because there is no front tank which would restricts your legs. The D120 has a single tank at the rear giving 3-5hrs depending on model. PM me if you need any advice, purchasing or training.
Will.
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Rusty
Didnt spot that you intended to purchase a single seater. I would suggest trying to find a suitable, similar, two seater and do your Diff training on that then the move over to the similar type single seater will be an easy transition. If you are looking at a Jodel D9 single or similar doing the diff training in a Supercub is only half the job.
As for finding CRIs just visit any flying club and hold up a piece of paper with the following on:
CRI?
you will probably find two or three people come running towards you!.
Seriously there are quite a few of us around now and I see someone else has already volunteered. We exist to assist in just this way and ask the question here you are bound to find someone near you.
Ian
Didnt spot that you intended to purchase a single seater. I would suggest trying to find a suitable, similar, two seater and do your Diff training on that then the move over to the similar type single seater will be an easy transition. If you are looking at a Jodel D9 single or similar doing the diff training in a Supercub is only half the job.
As for finding CRIs just visit any flying club and hold up a piece of paper with the following on:
CRI?
you will probably find two or three people come running towards you!.
Seriously there are quite a few of us around now and I see someone else has already volunteered. We exist to assist in just this way and ask the question here you are bound to find someone near you.
Ian
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Rusty
Yes you MUST get X wind landing instruction in a taildragger BUT the correct technique will depend on the pilot and the aircraft as well as the extent of gusts.
In relatively stable cross wind there is an argument for the three pointer. You are at minimum flying speed and minimum forward speed (not stalling it on by the way - typically you are just below critical AoA though not true in ALL cases). The argument is that you are then in contact with the ground with a cross wind for the minimum amount of time and at the slowest speed (allowing you to stop quickly).
The three pointer, by definition, requires a higher speed. You are still going to have to pass through the lowest speed condition and the wheels are in contact with the surface for a longer period of cross airflow.
In gusty conditions the wheeler means you have a lower AoA and are less likely to find yourself taking off again when a gust arrives. I would then use the wheeler in X wind only when it is also gusty.
BUT this is all type dependent. There are some aircraft which because of rudder effectiveness (lack of) with tailwheel down, and due to angle of incidence of the wing at rest, plus tailplane / elevator effectiveness, favour wheeling on.
A good instructor will let you get a feel for the aircraft you are going to fly in a number of different configurations so that you get an understanding of the limitations.
Yes you MUST get X wind landing instruction in a taildragger BUT the correct technique will depend on the pilot and the aircraft as well as the extent of gusts.
In relatively stable cross wind there is an argument for the three pointer. You are at minimum flying speed and minimum forward speed (not stalling it on by the way - typically you are just below critical AoA though not true in ALL cases). The argument is that you are then in contact with the ground with a cross wind for the minimum amount of time and at the slowest speed (allowing you to stop quickly).
The three pointer, by definition, requires a higher speed. You are still going to have to pass through the lowest speed condition and the wheels are in contact with the surface for a longer period of cross airflow.
In gusty conditions the wheeler means you have a lower AoA and are less likely to find yourself taking off again when a gust arrives. I would then use the wheeler in X wind only when it is also gusty.
BUT this is all type dependent. There are some aircraft which because of rudder effectiveness (lack of) with tailwheel down, and due to angle of incidence of the wing at rest, plus tailplane / elevator effectiveness, favour wheeling on.
A good instructor will let you get a feel for the aircraft you are going to fly in a number of different configurations so that you get an understanding of the limitations.
