change from trike to tail.
 

I am changing my duraplane trainer from trike gear to tail dragger in part to train on tail dragging planes. I have the tail wheel attached and need help to figure out how far foward from the center of gravity to mount my main gear. Any help is greatly appreciated.

RE: change from trike to tail.
 

i don't think there is a rule of thumb but anything close to the leading edge of the wing to just forward the leading edge is fine. This ensures that its far forward enough without being too much weight for your tailwheel. If you are just starting out, you might put it so that the entire gear is just forward the leading edge. This will allow you a little more authority when taxiing.

good luck!!! i love flying taildraggers...

RE: change from trike to tail.
 

Allright, sounds good. I actually have two cap 232's but don't want those to be my first tailgear experience. I figured the way to go is with the duraplane. They might not fly all that good, but I am more concerned about taking off and landing, anyway, landing with a dificult plane can sometimes be the best way of training.

RE: change from trike to tail.
 

Sounds like a good plan. Btw, I find my Cap 21 is actually pretty tame as far as tail dragger ground handling goes. Planes like cubs are harder to deal with. I personally like the gear set up so that the plane will just barely sit up on the nose. But that isn't necessarily a good measure, it's just worked out well for me. I agree that right around the wing LE is a good place to start.

RE: change from trike to tail.
 

Put the center of the wheel just in front of the wing leading edge. The axle or hub should be a fraction of an inch ahead of the LE. Say no more than 1/4" give or take. You have a good idea. Goog luck with your modified duraplane.

Mark Shuman