I just assembled my new 4 * 60 arf, haven't started the engine yet! Is there much difference taking off and landing a taildragger? any tips appreciated!

The 4*60 is fairly gentle about ground handling. Advance the throttle smoothly and it should behave just fine. A tiny bit of up elevator until it gains somne speed, then let the tail rise and the plane should lift off without you holding up elevator. (almost as easy to fly as your trainer.)

If it seems to have problems with wanting to spin in circles as it builds speed, gently bend the wheels to point inward JUST A LITTLE.

The only problems I've had is in landings. I'll trip it on a bump or something and break a prop. Just stay away from bumps that will flip it on it's nose and you'll be fine.

Silent J

My 4* has a tendency to veer somewhat to the left during the initial takeoff run. Slight right rudder keeps it under control. You need to keep slight up elevator during the initial powerup to keep the tail down and keep from nosing over. Once you build up some speed release the elevator and the tail will rise and you can take off just like your trainer. It is a great plane. I have an OS70 and it flies like a dream. One thought- If it is your first plane after a trainer, it moves faster and covers more territory, so take it slow, and in 5 minutes you will feel very comfortable. Landings are no problem, just add up elevator when the wheels touch to bring the tail down so you won't nose over.

Thanks guys! I think I will take it easy initially, I put an O.S. 91 4- banger on my 4*! It seems fairly easy and similiar to my avistar trainer from your tips, I hope to be enjoying it soon! Now I just have to break in my new engine!

With the .91 4-stroke.. you'll want to use an APC 14 X 6. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] I know because that's the engine I used in my 4*60. That prop will allow you to hover the plane when your skill gets to the needed level. Vertical unlimited at 3/4 throttle and it will take off at as low as 1/2 throttle.

Be CAREFUL advancing the throttle for take-off. LOTS of torque, so the tendency to do a 90 deg left turn will be uncontrollable if you just slap it to full throttle fom a dead stop.

See my review of the 4*60. I modified mine with retracts, and had a much wider wheelbase... the .91 FS's torque could still swing the tail around if I wasn't smooth with the throttle.

I do have the 14 x 6 prop. Thanks for the info! I think I'll do some taxiing before i try to fly. I probably would have given too much throttle on takeoff thinking it was similiar to my .40 avistar trainer. I hope I don't bust it up on the maiden flight! Thanks a lot

I just flew my new 4*60 yesterday. What a nice smooth plane to fly. This is my second one, did something stupid with the first one. New plane only took two clicks of aileron trim, one click of up elevator.

Before I ever flew a taildragger, I too worried about takeoff. Now that I have done it, can't see what all the worry is about.

Enjoy the 4*60, I sure have.

I flew my 4* for the first time today! What a great plane! It taxied well, took off at about half throttle, not much trim needed. The landing was easy enough, I just have to get used to the plane to get it perfect! Going from my avistar trainer with n O.S. .40 LA to the 4* 60 with the O.S. 91 4 stroke is a big difference, but it is awesome! You can hear and see the difference in each single click of the throttle! The power is unreal! Thanks again guys for all your advice, and I look forward to tapping your knowledge again in the future.