Tail dragger conversion...please read
 

I know this topic has been hammered to death here on RCU, but I am not interested in the how-to.
My question is, once I learn to fly my (trike gear) trainer and solo, should I then convert it to a tail dragger? My second plane WILL be a 1/5 scale cub. I am building it now (although quite slowly).

Any thoughts?

dano13

RE: Tail dragger conversion...please read
 

You don't need to.

RE: Tail dragger conversion...please read
 

I only converted it to a tail dragger. because my front gear on my trike was taking a beating and i was getting tired of bending it back into place. Theres lots of pictures on how to do it on RCU. It's not's that big of a change (at least it wasn't for me) I got the hang of it after one day of flying with no instruction expect for RCU. Knowing how to take off and land on a tail dragger would be helpful before going to the cub but it's not somthing absolutley nesscesary.

It's all up to you and how you feel.

RE: Tail dragger conversion...please read
 

If you're a kit builder or you have any interest at all in tinkering with your airplanes, I say do it. It's a pretty straightforward job and it will give you the sense of adding new life to your old plane.

RE: Tail dragger conversion...please read
 

The general consensus seems to amount to personal preference, although Righty's moving to a tail dragger setup makes sense also. Our grass field is still a bit rough at one and and it is a bugger to get out of there after landing sometimes. I suppose a tail dragger might be just a bit easier to get turned around and taxi back in.

I thank you all for your input and will make my choice after I get a bit more experience (read: solo) with my plane. :)

BTW, while I have been spending time on the club trainer, MY trainer was maidened today! YEEHAW!!! My instructor was so impressed with the very little trim adjustment needed he asked if I minded if he took it up again ("Just to make sure"). Unfortunately, I didn't get to try it myself due to lack of buddy box setup, but I was still grinning ear to ear on my short ride home. :D

dano13

RE: Tail dragger conversion...please read
 

Convert it to a tail dragger & stick in more engine -- it will provide you with a new level of entertainment, make you a better pilot & likely reduce the liklihood of digging a hole wqith the Cub ( which you will find is nopt so easy to fly).

RE: Tail dragger conversion...please read
 

Looks like I should proof-read before posting!

RE: Tail dragger conversion...please read
 

You dont think cubs are easy to fly?[X(][sm=confused.gif][sm=confused.gif][sm=eek.gif]

RE: Tail dragger conversion...please read
 

I would say do it for the practice. The CUB is easy to fly IMHO. But is a pain to take off. Compared to other tail draggers any way. You do have the advantage of a grass field. On a hard surface runway the toe in is critical on the smaller cubs. So do it for the fun of it. And ENJOY.



David

RE: Tail dragger conversion...please read
 

If you have the time and a few extra bucks i say go for it. The thing that took the longest for me was waiting for the glue to dry. My td conversion is in my avatar.