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Old 10-07-2005 | 09:41 AM
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gboulton
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From: La Vergne, TN
Default RE: P51- TRAINER FROM HORIZON

Has anyone yet found a reliable solution to the miserable ground handling of this aircraft on takeoff?

My student(s) and I have tried the following:

1) Max out the rudder. This, of course, gives you a chance to CATCH the ground loop (if you're lucky), but doesn't prevent it.

2) Toe in on the mains. We rotated the mains inward about 3-5 degrees, and this helped a BIT, but it's still pretty bad.

3) Very careful throttle management. If one eases, very slowly and carefully, into the throttle, the plane will track a BIT better...but, typically, by the time the plane's > 50% throttle, it's all over the place. Granted, with flaps down and NACA strips on, it'll fly at that speed...barely...but it's not really a good habbit to teach a new pilot, imo, since many planes won't.

Been considering a larger, grippier tail wheel. Not sure what effect that will have.

Also considering replacing the 3 blade prop with a 2 blade, and/or removing the VERY heavy flywheel, as it FEELS like this is a torque issue.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

TIA