Post by: nddons on April 27, 2016, 09:57:33 AM
I'm really excited about this. My only tailwheel time was in a PT-26, an SNJ, and a B-17 (all of which was in the air, not on the ground
). So I've never landed a tailwheel plane yet, though I did scare the crap out of myself with some Taildragger YouTube videos of ground loops, including the Red Bull T-6 Texan.
I'm getting my endorsement in a Champion Aircraft Corp. (successor of Aeronca) 7EC with a 90HP engine at a grass strip (we will get some hard pavement time in as well.)
My goal is to eventually fly our CAF Wing's PT-26 and eventually our SNJ.
Any thoughts, hints, or cautions for my tailwheel training from this highly qualified group of pilots?
Post by: FlightofTwo on April 27, 2016, 10:48:54 AM
I don't know if I know you or you me, but I'm a CAF Check Pilot for a PT-26 in the Indiana Wing, and I fly a T-6 as well, AT-6D, though that's not a Wing airplane. I also do tailwheel instruction in a 7EC with a 65 hp engine (and a J-3) out of a grass strip (though we go to pavement too-it's important). You'll find the PT-26 with its wide sturdy gear to be more stable and easier than the Champ, just heavier, (but don't worry, the Champ is not tricky). I'd be happy to answer whatever questions I can, but your CFI will probably hit the high points. If not feel free to yell and I'm sure you'll get more folks with more advice than you know what to do with. ;)
The checkout process in the PT isn't overly complicated, there is a checklist of items you have to do with your instructor, slow flight, various stalls, engine out, various takeoffs and landings, etc., and then they call a check pilot to come in and do the "check ride" over each of those maneuvers as well, to Commercial standards. Then done. The SNJ, that one you'll find a more interesting challenge--great airplane, a lot of fun!
Post by: Anthony on April 27, 2016, 11:21:10 AM
Post by: FastEddieB on April 27, 2016, 11:28:53 AM
Happy to help out with advice if I can.
Post by: Jaybird180 on April 27, 2016, 11:36:13 AM
Seriously - Good Luck and Have fun.
Post by: nddons on April 27, 2016, 12:02:04 PM
It's a good book to dive into and get tailwheel info.Awesome! The PT is just a beautiful airplane.
I don't know if I know you or you me, but I'm a CAF Check Pilot for a PT-26 in the Indiana Wing, and I fly a T-6 as well, AT-6D, though that's not a Wing airplane. I also do tailwheel instruction in a 7EC with a 65 hp engine (and a J-3) out of a grass strip (though we go to pavement too-it's important). You'll find the PT-26 with its wide sturdy gear to be more stable and easier than the Champ, just heavier, (but don't worry, the Champ is not tricky). I'd be happy to answer whatever questions I can, but your CFI will probably hit the high points. If not feel free to yell and I'm sure you'll get more folks with more advice than you know what to do with. ;)
The checkout process in the PT isn't overly complicated, there is a checklist of items you have to do with your instructor, slow flight, various stalls, engine out, various takeoffs and landings, etc., and then they call a check pilot to come in and do the "check ride" over each of those maneuvers as well, to Commercial standards. Then done. The SNJ, that one you'll find a more interesting challenge--great airplane, a lot of fun!
I just sent you a PM.
Post by: FlightofTwo on April 27, 2016, 12:43:30 PM
"Tip: Do whatever it takes to keep the little wheel behind you at all times."
:)
Post by: nddons on April 28, 2016, 09:28:28 AM
I was just sure some smart alack was going to post something like...Oh, I'm sure it's coming.
"Tip: Do whatever it takes to keep the little wheel behind you at all times."
:)
We have our CAF spring banquet on Saturday, and a LOT of warbirds pilots and owners in the group. I do NOT want to walk in and admit I bent something tomorrow.
We actually have a great Warbird community at Waukesha. In addition to our two CAF planes, we have off the top of my head a Mustang, 2 T-6s, a Harvard, 2 Chipmunks, a Tiger Moth, 2 T-34s, a T-28, a T-33, and within the next month an F-86 Sabre. Oh, and a Zlin (a Czech trainer).
Post by: nddons on April 28, 2016, 05:12:56 PM
Oh, I'm sure it's coming.I knew I was forgetting one. We also have a T-37 Tweet on the field!
We have our CAF spring banquet on Saturday, and a LOT of warbirds pilots and owners in the group. I do NOT want to walk in and admit I bent something tomorrow.
We actually have a great Warbird community at Waukesha. In addition to our two CAF planes, we have off the top of my head a Mustang, 2 T-6s, a Harvard, 2 Chipmunks, a Tiger Moth, 2 T-34s, a T-28, a T-33, and within the next month an F-86 Sabre. Oh, and a Zlin (a Czech trainer).
Post by: Anthony on April 28, 2016, 11:51:48 PM
I knew I was forgetting one. We also have a T-37 Tweet on the field!
Stan, that is some collection!
Post by: nddons on April 29, 2016, 02:27:35 PM
I got a new appreciation for yaw. That ball spent a fair about of time outside its cage before I could chase that sucker down.
Apparently there are these things called "rudder pedals." I though Cessna put those things in Skyhawks as nice comfy foot rests.
I'm a big guy (6'2") but actually fit in the Champ. Egress was another matter. The Champ has heal brakes, which was interesting.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160429/ff726a517f4474dbc73c497345eba4f1.jpg)
Post by: Mase on April 29, 2016, 03:35:45 PM
I did my initial training and first solo in a nice 85-horse Champ. When I was 16 years old. I'm grandfathered. :) They are a lot of fun and not all that hard to fly. If I can do it, anyone can! Yep heel brakes are different. Yep they teach you what the rudder is for.
My problem came when transitioning to the C-152. I didn't want to let the nose down on landing. :)
Post by: acrogimp on May 03, 2016, 11:19:56 AM
Tailwheel training went well today. No bent metal! We did some air work, 3 point landings, short field and soft field takeoffs and landings, and finished up with a couple wheel landings. We had a slight (6-8 kts) crosswind, and did about 14 landings in 2 hours. Overall, it was really good.Nice. One of the Citabrias I fly, an aerobatic 7KCAB, has heel brakes, the other is a 7GCBC with flaps that has toe brakes - both are fun but it is an unnatural act the first time you come off the rudder pedals and down to the heel brakes during a good crosswind landing.
I got a new appreciation for yaw. That ball spent a fair about of time outside its cage before I could chase that sucker down.
Apparently there are these things called "rudder pedals." I though Cessna put those things in Skyhawks as nice comfy foot rests.
I'm a big guy (6'2") but actually fit in the Champ. Egress was another matter. The Champ has heal brakes, which was interesting.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160429/ff726a517f4474dbc73c497345eba4f1.jpg)
The GCBC has 150 hp and the KCAB has about 160, so different animals than an 85hp Champ. They are both spring steel gear where the Champ has that nice articulated and shocked arrangement.
I prefer wheel landings but there is something satisfying about coming down on-speed and flaring for a perfect 3-point, especially with a good crosswind.
Enjoy it!
'Gimp
Post by: nddons on May 03, 2016, 12:02:11 PM
Nice. One of the Citabrias I fly, an aerobatic 7KCAB, has heel brakes, the other is a 7GCBC with flaps that has toe brakes - both are fun but it is an unnatural act the first time you come off the rudder pedals and down to the heel brakes during a good crosswind landing.Hey, it's 90 hp; don't cheat me, bro!
The GCBC has 150 hp and the KCAB has about 160, so different animals than an 85hp Champ. They are both spring steel gear where the Champ has that nice articulated and shocked arrangement.
I prefer wheel landings but there is something satisfying about coming down on-speed and flaring for a perfect 3-point, especially with a good crosswind.
Enjoy it!
'Gimp
Since the PT-26 is typically landed in a wheel landing, I'm anxious to work harder on those this week.
Post by: nddons on May 06, 2016, 05:18:48 PM
I'm happy with my instructor. He regularly had me pull power abeam the touchdown point for a power-off 180 degree landing.
I've never been comfortable with forward slips to lose altitude, though I'm very comfortable with side slips for x-wind landings. Odd, I know. I think I'm cured of that, since the mighty champ has no flaps.
We did an overhead break (remember that I plan on flying our CAF warbirds eventually) for a 360 degree power off wheel landing. The cool part was that I did that while a buddy of mine landed in his new (to him) de Havilland Chipmunk and was waiting to take off.
I need 10 hours before I can train in the PT-26, so Lou agreed that I could continue to train with him after I complete my tailwheel endorsement, and that we would work on advanced stuff.
Post by: Mase on May 06, 2016, 05:48:09 PM
Post by: nddons on May 06, 2016, 06:06:12 PM
I loved doing slips in the Champ.With the left window open, the slip stream was vibrating my sun glasses. It was awesome!
Post by: nddons on May 09, 2016, 08:44:45 AM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160509/72cbcbb725916a5ce207965787c900b2.jpg)
Post by: nddons on May 13, 2016, 11:59:47 AM
We took a quick break at the FBO where I patted Lou on the back and thanked him for not dropping me, and he said "I can't - you prepaid." Navy guy. :)
After the break I was really starting to get the sight picture and swirling winds and crosswind corrections down at BUU and we did a bunch of wheel landings. It was starting to click.
We then wrapped it up with a trip back to 88C with a power off overhead approach followed by a good wheel landing. Followed by lunch and an endorsement.
I think I'm going to buy a few more hours with Lou in a couple of weeks and hit a bunch of airports. I've got the endorsement, but I think I can improve on the proficiency.
Good times.
Post by: FastEddieB on May 13, 2016, 01:17:10 PM
Let us know if you find the training has any effect on your nosewheel landings going forward.
Post by: nddons on May 13, 2016, 02:25:24 PM
Congratulations!I'm flying a Cutlass tomorrow AM so I'll let you know!
Let us know if you find the training has any effect on your nosewheel landings going forward.
Post by: nddons on May 14, 2016, 08:18:36 PM
Congratulations!Well, I think the CFI thought it did. Winds were 12G20 at about 30 degrees off the runway heading, and I kept the Cutlass smack down the centerline with good crosswind technique.
Let us know if you find the training has any effect on your nosewheel landings going forward.
The only difference was when we turned final on my first landing, the CFI asked "were you planning on using any flaps?"
I got used to not bothering with the flaps as the Champ didn't have any.
I always had a fear of forward slips. It just felt unnatural. Side slips for crosswind? No problem. Forward slips to lose altitude? I may as well just enter into a spin and end it all.
Now they're no big deal. The term "top rudder" helps me not to have to think about it so much.
Post by: acrogimp on May 16, 2016, 12:25:30 PM
'Gimp
Post by: nddons on May 16, 2016, 01:27:07 PM
Post by: Anthony on May 18, 2016, 07:19:42 AM