tail dragger help for beginners
02-23-2003 | 02:21 PM
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From: Payson,
AZ
tail dragger help for beginners
The last time I tried to post this I must have goofed. I'll try again to get it straight.
Some pilots prefer taildraggers for looks or they're into scale such as Cubs or war birds. Most people new to our sport have learned on trike gear ARFs. It's true that takeoffs and landings are easier with tricycles.
There is a trick used for years by the builders of small trailers for utility or boats to make them follow the car in a straight line. They toe in the wheels. That is they put the front part of the wheels closer together than the aft part, sort of like this / \ (top being the front) If you do the same thing with a tail dragger it will automatically run straighter which will make takeoffs and landings somewhat easier. You can't ignore torque but it will take less correction.
Try it on your own taildragger. If the wheels are straight in line or toed out, lock the tailwheel straight ahead and roll it down a driveway or other gently sloped smooth surface. It will most likely not roll the same direction every time. Toe in the wheels and repeat the procedure. Almost guarnteed to roll straight.
Some pilots prefer taildraggers for looks or they're into scale such as Cubs or war birds. Most people new to our sport have learned on trike gear ARFs. It's true that takeoffs and landings are easier with tricycles.
There is a trick used for years by the builders of small trailers for utility or boats to make them follow the car in a straight line. They toe in the wheels. That is they put the front part of the wheels closer together than the aft part, sort of like this / \ (top being the front) If you do the same thing with a tail dragger it will automatically run straighter which will make takeoffs and landings somewhat easier. You can't ignore torque but it will take less correction.
Try it on your own taildragger. If the wheels are straight in line or toed out, lock the tailwheel straight ahead and roll it down a driveway or other gently sloped smooth surface. It will most likely not roll the same direction every time. Toe in the wheels and repeat the procedure. Almost guarnteed to roll straight.
03-01-2003 | 11:01 PM
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From: IN
tail dragger help for beginners
yer right there ballgunner, a trick I use setting up my draggers is I set the plane on a big piece
of cardboard, mark the tw with an x and the mains with a straight line then lift the bird of to check
to see how they compare. Adjust if necessary......
of cardboard, mark the tw with an x and the mains with a straight line then lift the bird of to check
to see how they compare. Adjust if necessary......
03-02-2003 | 09:18 PM
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From: OH
tail dragger help for beginners
THANKS[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] That should work with gas, glo, or electric.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
03-03-2003 | 12:31 AM
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From: gone,
tail dragger help for beginners
No matter how the tires are aligned... watch the throttle management. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Just advancing the throttle slower can REALLY help you keep control of the plane while its accelerating.
03-14-2003 | 11:04 AM
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From: SC
tail dragger help for beginners
What is better a gas or Electric Helicopter!! what is cheaper and more reliable not to mess up!
I am a complete beginner but don't know what to start with, will some one give me some ADVICE
I am a complete beginner but don't know what to start with, will some one give me some ADVICE
03-17-2003 | 08:07 PM
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From: TN
tail dragger help for beginners
It would be best to start with a trainer plane. Helicopters require more control movement with your hands.. A good first plane and one which you will not get tired of after learning is an Hobbico Avistar. It can do some limited aerobatics and enough to keep you entertained while you build or decide on your second plane or helicopter.
