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Old 12-29-2005 | 02:04 AM
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multiflyer
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From: simi valley, CA
Default RE: Tail Dragger landings

Yep, what HighPlains said is so true. Poor main gear placement is so important and so often neglected. Here is a thumb rule for checking positioning. Set the plane on flat ground and lift the tail up until the plane just balances on the main gear (CG is straight above the axles). For flying off of hard surface the plane should balance on the mains at only 10 to 20 degrees nose down. For flying off of grass, an other 5 to 10 degrees nose down is good.

Also shorter mains and taller tail wheel help too. As the mains get taller and the tail wheel shorter, the 3 point angle grows. Aircraft must be landed slower to be able to 3 point. If the mains are too tall and tail wheel too short. The wing is above stall angle sitting on 3 points. Some scale warbird fighter types are like this, and can only be wheel landed.

Multiflyer