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?

Well the gliding time will stand you in good stead.

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.

:}

'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?

Taildragging
 

How about Sibson- take your pick from a Cub, Pitts or a Tigermoth- something to suit everyone!

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.

Join the PFA, find a coach with a taildragger, the cheapest way I know :ok:

Try Halton Aeroplane Club, brand new Citabria arriving soon.

They don't.

Jodels are lovely well balanced efficient machines which you will love to fly.

Halton is a good suggestion.

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.

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

Tail wheel training
 

Try Henlow Flying club . Got a Tiger there .

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

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.

So you're not planning on returning to Eggesford, then? I could be persuaded not to divulge your views on Austers for a fee.

Panshanger
 

Thanks L18 - if the wx is OK I'll go over at the weekend and take a look

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:ok:. 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.

:)

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.

As indeed you did today. Congrats.

Hope you did enjoy that celebratory half pint I saw on the bar.

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.

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.