rajul

My Feedback: (58)

Nicking a propeller during ground handling is something that can be avoided if a suitable propeller clerance is used. Is there any rule of thumb what is the correct propeller clearance measured from the ground to the tip of the propeller for planes with :

1) Tricycle landing gear

2) Tail dragger

Thanks for the inputs..................

snsmith

My Feedback: (5)

I fly off a grass field, so I usually shoot for about 2.5" with the wing at an angle of attack of zero. This generally keeps me from mowing the grass when the tail lifts on a taildragger.

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

A lot of that depends on the field type you are flying off of, and the type and characteristics of the plane you flying. Grass fields are a lot more forgiving on props than touching one to asphalt (time to go home and re-balance your prop). the only difference between a trike and tail dragger is that you have to measure the clearance on the tail dragger with the wings level (position that the plane will be in at take-off and landings). but usually 1"-2" is enough. On a trike plane, make sure you take into account that the nose gear can flex on touchdown. so that if you have a bit of a rough landing you have room for the gear to flex without touching.

I had a .15 size shrike that I kit bashed and put landing gear on. I only had about 1/4" clearance on the prop and never landed the thing without touching to prop and killing the engine. important lesson here?? Shrikes don't need legs!!! lol

good luck

KCFlyBoy

My Feedback: (12)

I would increase the size of the nose wheel if you don't have any more adjustment in the nose wheel just be careful not to create to much positive incidence on the wing. If you are nosing over with the tail dragger when you are landing you may have to move the wheels forward. Also check the balance on the tail dragger it mat have the wheels in the right spot but you may be nose heavy. If you are balanced well and the wheels are in the right spot larger tires also help if it is nosing over because of tall grass.My $.02