Ernie Misner

Greetings! On the 40 size profiles, how many of you guys use a steerable tailwheel? Coming from other planes, I'm used to using a Sullivan tailwheel but it looks like it might be overkill on the profiles?

We fly off of a grass runway and I'm wondering if you just use the wire skid..... can you still steer somewhat on the ground and taxi around just using the rudder? Or do you go out and pick the plane up after landing?

Thanks,

Ernie

Les Nessman

What size plane are you flying. I have two 40 size tail draggers and one 160 size tail dragger. The steeriable tail wheel is a must for good ground handeling. I wouldn't go without unless It was to keep a plane scale, like the old WWI birds and such. Asmall park flyer, would not matter much though it will not ground handle anyway.

Les

ThumbSkull

My Feedback: (57)

Save the weight on the 40 size and just use a wire or CF skid. 60 size and up I use a tail wheel. They handle just fine on the ground if the skid moves with the rudder. The other problem with a tail wheel on a 40 size is that it will lessen the takeoff angle and increase the amount of runway needed.

AFSalmon

My Feedback: (3)

I've never used a wheel on a 40 size slab. Why add the extra weight? A wire skid works fine on either grass or asphalt. Besides, my slabs hardly spend much time on the ground taxiing.

John Wells

My Feedback: (10)

Hi Ernie, I use whatever I have.  I've got some with skids, some with steerable gear, and some with free floating gear / wheels that just turn with the direction of the plane on the ground.  Use the one that helps your plane balance the best.  There's nothing scientific about it on profiles.  The profile guys like simple, reliable stuff on the tail. 

Ernie Misner

Thanks guys!  A steerable skid?  I don't think I've ever seen  that but sounds interesting.  

Mike, have any of your skids ever been steerable?

With a non-steerable skid, will the rudder authority still give some turning ability on grass while taxiing?

Thanks loads,

Ernie

AFSalmon

My Feedback: (3)

Ernie, nope....no need for a steerable skid. The rudder provides plenty of authority for steering all by itself, even on grass. The skid does exactly what its name implies...it skids around with little friction.

rclement

My Feedback: (1)

Hey Ernie, I'veflown a few of themat the Geyserwithout tail wheels but found that the grass was so rough that I would rather havea steerable wheel.

F4U Corsair

My Feedback: (22)

Skids, just give it elevator to make the tail light, and give it some throttle, it will turn just fine!

mudmarine

We don't need no stinking tailwheels!!!!

Ernie Misner

Stickdude, you mean to give it some down elevator to make the tail light? We usually hold some up elevator when taxiing to keep from nosing over?

Thanks,

Ernie

Dave McDonald

My Feedback: (19)

On the profiles, I prefer a tailskid made from a plastic coat hanger. It easily slides over grass with excellent steering.
Pavement might wear it out after awhile, but they are easy to replace.

Ernie Misner

Hi Dave, cool idea! Hey, what is that little plastic covering over your servos made from?

Thanks,

Ernie

Dave McDonald

My Feedback: (19)

It's a plastic box that some thumb tacks came in. Works great to keep the exhaust glop out of the servos.