RCU Forums - View Single Post - Taking off with tail dragger
View Single Post
Old 06-20-2003, 03:58 PM
  #5  
Tattoo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wichita, KS,
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Taking off with tail dragger

Just recently I've discovered that to increase the length of the tail wheel wire, so the tail is higher off the ground, reducing the wings AOA on take off roll, lets you gain much more speed on the ground before the critical elevator to rudder transition, therefore reducing the chance of slow speed lift off and goof ups...in other words, it's helped my tail dragger take offs look somewhat like I know what I'm doing

Also, making sure the mains have toe-in makes a big difference in the plane's tracking once the tail is off the ground! I'll never forget the day (years ago) I was having no luck getting my plane off the ground due to ground loops. An old timer took a look at my plane, grabbed some channel lock pliers, bent some toe-in into my gear and said go for it. Down the runway I went straighter than an arrow...and off I went.