Taildragger conversion training recommendations
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 286
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From: Suffolk
Taildragger conversion training recommendations
I'm planning to get a share in a cheap taildragger in the next few months - I've got a few hundred takeoffs and landings in gliders (I'm assuming this helps - comments?) and three hours in an Auster at Cranfield some years ago.
I'm in the Hemel Hempstead/St Albans area - anyone got any recommendations on the best place to do the conversion?
I'm in the Hemel Hempstead/St Albans area - anyone got any recommendations on the best place to do the conversion?
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 5
From: Suffolk
'orrible austers
The problem I had with it was that (I'm 6' 2") is that my head was up in the wing root - visibility not so good.
How do they compare with Jodels and similar in handling?
How do they compare with Jodels and similar in handling?
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 5
From: Suffolk
Sibson
H'mm
Sibson:
PIPER CUB PA 18-95
£118.00 Solo
£133.00 Dual
£113.00 Weekday Solo
Panshanger
It's "Cost: £119 per hour dual includes: hire of aeroplane, instruction charges, VAT, landing fees and pre & post-flight briefings." for their Tailwheel Conversion & Farmstrip Course
But I've seen some bad comment on Panshanger on pprune - also I met the CFI there few months ago and wasn't immediately impressed.
Sibson:
PIPER CUB PA 18-95
£118.00 Solo
£133.00 Dual
£113.00 Weekday Solo
Panshanger
It's "Cost: £119 per hour dual includes: hire of aeroplane, instruction charges, VAT, landing fees and pre & post-flight briefings." for their Tailwheel Conversion & Farmstrip Course
But I've seen some bad comment on Panshanger on pprune - also I met the CFI there few months ago and wasn't immediately impressed.
Last edited by rusty sparrow; 10th November 2007 at 12:21. Reason: added text
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 286
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From: Suffolk
Halton - no service links?
Halton sounds like a possible option - I'd love to fly a Citabria. But from their website, I'd need service links. Don't have those. I'll give 'em a call and find out more.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 258
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From: Bradford
Jodelling
Rusty
Sounds like you're going Jodelling, if I didn't know.
At 6'2" you'll be doing well to get in a Jodel, but I can't fault your taste in aircraft ! If its one of the smaller Jodels 117/120 you may be a bit cramped depending on whats been added to the basic panel. Usually radios get mounted below the panel, and knee room can be restricted. 1050's have seat adjustment so that may suit you better.
If you're getting back into flying, haven't you flown a tailwheeler before ?
tth
Sounds like you're going Jodelling, if I didn't know.
At 6'2" you'll be doing well to get in a Jodel, but I can't fault your taste in aircraft ! If its one of the smaller Jodels 117/120 you may be a bit cramped depending on whats been added to the basic panel. Usually radios get mounted below the panel, and knee room can be restricted. 1050's have seat adjustment so that may suit you better.
If you're getting back into flying, haven't you flown a tailwheeler before ?
tth
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 5
From: Suffolk
Jodelling
TTH
My choice is based on what's cheap and fun to fly, and will improve my flying skills. I've heard a lot about the Jodel and seen a few group shares come up. Thanks for the info re leg room in 'em.
Yes, I have flown a taildragger before - an Auster. Nearly finished the conversion then the company I worked for folded and I had to shelve flying.
RS
TTH
My choice is based on what's cheap and fun to fly, and will improve my flying skills. I've heard a lot about the Jodel and seen a few group shares come up. Thanks for the info re leg room in 'em.
Yes, I have flown a taildragger before - an Auster. Nearly finished the conversion then the company I worked for folded and I had to shelve flying.
RS
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Harlow, UK
Tailwheel conversion
If you are in the St Albans area, I would recommend Panshanger. I did the tailwheel conversion course in their Super Cub several years ago with their CFI and it gave me the skills and confidence to start operating a Super Cub out of a nearby farm strip. Their CFI is a very good tailwheel pilot.
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: New South Wales
The advantage of having flown the Auster is that everything you will fly since then will seem both better and easier to fly.
They're 'orrible.
They're 'orrible.
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 64
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From: Germany
Jodel's & the Tiger Club
Hi, good assortment of choices for you already.
I can personally vouch for the Tiger Club down there in Kent (Lashenden). I converted with them onto the Jodel (D150). Very tidy machine and a dream to fly, not the easiest tailwheel to fly but will teach you respect for the tailwheel and once you've got the hang of it I'm sure you wont go back to nose wheels
. Its a great little club and of course there's the Tiger Moths and the little Turbulent you can also learn to fly after some tailwheel hours, all for SFH! Great fun all round though the Tiger is a bit chilly this time of year.
Give them a call on 01622 891017.
I can personally vouch for the Tiger Club down there in Kent (Lashenden). I converted with them onto the Jodel (D150). Very tidy machine and a dream to fly, not the easiest tailwheel to fly but will teach you respect for the tailwheel and once you've got the hang of it I'm sure you wont go back to nose wheels
. Its a great little club and of course there's the Tiger Moths and the little Turbulent you can also learn to fly after some tailwheel hours, all for SFH! Great fun all round though the Tiger is a bit chilly this time of year.Give them a call on 01622 891017.
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 407
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From: Norfolk
Why dont you get the share and then convert / do your differences training on the aircraft you get the share in? You should be able to find an instructor to convert you and sign you off. Quite a few people have gone through the Class Rating Instructor Course which enables them to do just that.
Beacon Outbound
Joined: Mar 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 710
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From: "Home is were the answer machine is"
Quite a few people have gone through the Class Rating Instructor Course which enables them to do just that.
Hope you did enjoy that celebratory half pint I saw on the bar.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 143
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From: East Sussex
Hi rusty sparrow, I'm 6ft2" and fitted comfortabley into a Jodel D120, I'm also a CRI and PFA Coach with over 1500hrs tailwheel, my advice for what it's worth is buy a taildragger which suits you in size,appeal,comfort and wallet and get a conversion done on that machine, whatever you do, wether it is via a school, club or the PFA coaching scheme make sure you get the training !
Cheers Will.
Cheers Will.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 5
From: Suffolk
differences training on own aircraft
Hi formationfoto
I assume that the first thing I need to do is get the tailwheel conversion in a dual acft and then a differences briefing for the single seater?
How do I find a Class Rated Instructor?
Since I was a kid, I've always wanted to fly a Tiger or Piper Cub - so will probably do the initial conversion on one.
I assume that the first thing I need to do is get the tailwheel conversion in a dual acft and then a differences briefing for the single seater?
How do I find a Class Rated Instructor?
Since I was a kid, I've always wanted to fly a Tiger or Piper Cub - so will probably do the initial conversion on one.
