ORIGINAL: kengee
Hi everyone, I've got a Seagull Decathlon that I've flown with a few times (my second plane and first taildragger). Each time I struggle taking it off (fly and land just fine). I can't keep the plane tracking straight. I know taildraggers tend to pull some, but is this one tougher than others? Should I be flying a different tail dragger?
Couple tips I received: take the spring off the tail wheel and replace with straight rod, bigger wheel on the tail. I love the set-up I have with this plane, but I am getting highly frustrated at this point. Thanks in advance.
Learn to love the rudder. All airplanes and taildraggers in particular require throttle and rudder management. Don't depend on the engine offset to make up for torque and P factor. If you will practice using the rudder to overcome the tendancy to pull left, you will learn to appreciate takeoffs, and not look at them as a necessary function to flying.
Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1