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Old 04-22-2004 | 06:25 PM
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dreadnaut
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From: Oceanside, CA
Default RE: First Tail Dragger Flight

When you increase the throtle for take off, you need to apply right rudder to keep the plane tracking straight. As the airplane increases speed, you gently let off of the rudder. When you pull the nose up to climb, add right rudder again to track straight.

I have noticed at most fields almost everyone imediatly turns to the left on take off. This is due to something called P effect. When the airplane is making a positive angle to the airflow, the propeller blade on the left has a higher angle of attack than the blade on the right, and pulls harder.

As far as a tail dragger goes. Advance the throtle SLOWLY. You should not have to hold any up elevator. In fact, if the elevator is trimmed right, the tail will come up as you roll along. LET IT.
Steer with the rudder, not the tail wheel. The tail wheel is for steering during taxi. On take off, the steering is handled by the rudder.

[8D]