RCU Forums - View Single Post - HELP LEARNING TO TAKE OFF WITH TAILDRAGGER???
Old 05-12-2004 | 12:23 AM
  #30  
Wing-Ding's Avatar
Wing-Ding
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Etna, CA
Default RE: HELP LEARNING TO TAKE OFF WITH TAILDRAGGER???

I've flown my 4*60 three times now (it is a tail dragger) and let me suggest that you DON'T do what I did. I knew I was supposed to put in up elevator while taxiing, but I got past the taxiing speed very quickly (even though I thought I was advancing the throttle slowly). As a result, the plane leaped straight into the air at a nearly vertical climb and nearly stalled. Fortunately, I was able to firewall the throttle and push the stick forward some to level it out a bit. Whew! That was a close one (my second 4*60 flight).

The very first time I had it at the field, I ground looped it a number of times. Since then, I've retrofitted it with a Sullivan Products tail-wheel which seemed to help some. I like the ideas mentioned in this thread about reducing the sensitivity of the rudder, making sure there is some toe in and some negative camber. The landing gear on the 4*60 is already toed in, but I will check it for some negative camber. I think it's just a matter of practice. My second take off was uneventful (thankfully).