RCU Forums - View Single Post - HELP LEARNING TO TAKE OFF WITH TAILDRAGGER???
Old 05-09-2004 | 06:37 AM
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MikeEast
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From: Nederland, TX
Default RE: HELP LEARNING TO TAKE OFF WITH TAILDRAGGER???

Heres another tip.
If you are not using a computer radio take some of the rudder throw out and only allow the rudder to move about 30-50% of its full potential throw. While you are learning to fly taildraggers go with the minimum rudder throw needed to fly not maximum. Too much rudder throw can make the rudder really REALLY touchy on the ground.

If you do have a computer radio reduce the throw and add some exponential to the rudder. I would say start with -50 to -75 exponential. That will make you control inputs much more subtle while building up speed.

Good advice above, especially E-A-S-I-N-G the throttle in. Give yourself as much runway as possible and let the plane ease up to speed. That gives you a little time to adjust your steering as the plane slowly builds up speed.

Last Resort.
If the plane has an excessive amount of power and you are a good pilot with the field all to yourself you can try gunning it from a dead stop and lifting off immediately. Planes that wanna tailspin on the runway cant tailspin if the wheels never start rolling. I do it with spads but you have to be ready for anything when the plane leaves the ground.

Have fun!