Taildragger conversion
 

Apologies if this repeats earlier queries.

Can anyone tell me where I might be able to do a taildragger conversion (requires a QFI under the new rules) within easy striking distance of Central London? I know about the obvious ones like Clacton (a long hike from London especially in winter and prone to runway waterlogging)?

Many thanks.

[This message has been edited by Southern Cross (edited 11 December 2000).]

You can do it at White Waltham on a 150hp Super Cub. Jolly good fun.

<A HREF="http://www.wlac.co.uk/" TARGET="_blank">http://www.wlac.co.uk/</A>

WF.

Cahlibahn

Sorry I can't point to anything written because I have not done the research. So you might be right. The first I knew of all this was receiving from the CAA a very large (and quite helpful) wall poster describing the changes in rules for obtaining various ratings since 1 January 2000. One must now conduct "differencs training" to fly tailwheel aircraft & aircraft with turbo-charged engines, retractable gear and / or constant speed props, unless, prior to 1 January 2000, you had experience in said types. Differencs training must be conducted with an instructor (and here my level of detail is weak - you seem more up with the various nuances than I).

I had the lot except tailwheel time.

My understanding is that, practically speaking, in respect of tailwheel "conversions", prior to 1 January, I could have had a PPL (or obviously any higher qualified pilot) check me out onto a tail wheel aircraft with no formal requirements. Outfits like Clacton ran (and run) tailwheel "conversions", but there was no legal weight to that term - what they were doing is trying to comprehensively teach lead footed tricycle gear pilots like me what their feet are for in a tail wheel aeroplane.

Now, one requires an instructor to sign one's logbook.

All of the above is subject to correction by any of you who has a better grasp of the new rules - comments / corrections gratefully received.

WF

Thanks - I will check them out.



[This message has been edited by Southern Cross (edited 12 December 2000).]

Southern Cross

Panshanger offer training on a Piper Cub. They are close to J6 of the A1M and the tel no is 01707 391791. It is a grass runway but I never known it to be waterlogged - yet.

Southern Cross

Can you point me to a written ref re taildragger conversion requiring a FI? (A QFI is a product of the RAF CFS and not relevant to civilian training per se) I was not aware that a FI(R) couldn't conduct differences training.

Thanks

Cahlibahn

[This message has been edited by Cahlibahn (edited 12 December 2000).]

Thanks Cahlibahn - Panshangar is very convenient - don't know why I didn't think of them before, although they don't seem to widely publicise their taildragger courses, except perhaps in the annual "Where to fly" guides, which of course, I don't seem to have (just when you need them...).

SC I'm looking to renew my IMC rating and I am looking for a place around the Harpenden area. If you go with Panshanger can you let me know your opinions of the place please?

LowNslow.

Will do. If first impressions (by telephone this morning) are anything to go by, they are very helpful. They confirm, by the way, that their runway is not adversely affected by all the rain (even the downpour last night). I would imagine they are one of the lucky few grass airfields that can still conduct operations without tearing up the grass.

I heard over the weekend (from a chap that has an aeroplane based there) that Popham may not reopen for several months if the current weather pattern continues. I don't know if that is true - but if it is, it must be very frustrating for those people that have aeroplanes based there.

Thanks SC, I'll have a little snout around there. I can imagingine Popham being swamped with that lovely dip in the middle of the runway and having the A303 draining onto it.....

Southern Cross.

I know it's not terribly near London, but a very good tailwheel instructor has just started a school at Norwich.

Have suggested him to a couple of young Pitts tyros for check outs and they were both very satisfied. Might be worth the journey?

He has a C140, too.

[email protected]


Good luck


sNr