Tail-dragger Landing
 

Hi

I've just converted from a tri-cycle to tail-dragger landing gear for my new aerobatic plane.

I encountered problem when trying to land the plane. In each landing, the plane seems to be bouncing of the ground a couple of times before coming to a stop!

What is the correct approach to landing a tail-dragger plane?

Thanks for any help!

Tail-dragger Landing
 

Theres no difference in the approach, the touchdown, however, is where the fun is.
One way to land, the 3 point landing, is followed by "bleeding" off as much airspeed as possible by holding the plane parallel to the field, inches off the runway, untill the elevator becomes nearly ineffective and the planes settles in for a near full stall landing.
The coolest looking is a wheel landing or landing on the mains only and allowing the tail to continue flying untill the airspeed drops. This will take some practice and youll learn to use the rudder to align with the runway and ailerons to keep the wings level. Some down elevator applied in a timely mannor at touchdown will keep the mains in contact with the ground and the tail flying.
Hope this is of some help to you. Good luck and be patient.

Tail-dragger Landing
 

It sounds as though you're trying to touch down with too much speed. Ground effect is lifting the plane back into the air. (Or you ARE simply bouncing back up.) In either case speed is an issue. Trikes are much more tolerant of landing too fast.

As flap mentioned, keep the plane in the air until the elevator is nearly ineffectual, the plane should land itself without bouncing.
Dennis-

Tail-dragger Landing
 

I agree with the others, it just takes practice. I had converted late last fall and have been flying tail draggers only a few times since then due to the winter wx. I made 3 landings this weekend with my 4*60 and bounced only 1 time. Just give it awhile and you will make it.

Tail-dragger Landing
 

I agree with the others to much speed (don't try to come in slower) just hold her slightly of the ground off and bleed off the air speed, you will find this method work great. :cool:

Tail-dragger Landing
 

Your problem is extremely common, so don't worry about it!

It's caused by one or both of two things;-

Your vertical speed is too great, and you have simply bounced, or your airspeed is too great and when the 'plane settles back onto its tailwheel, there is sufficient lift created from the sudden increase in wing incidence that it tries to take off again.

For the latter, you could try extending the length of the tailwheel wire, so that the three-point contact doesn't create as much upward angle of the plane, and therefore the incidence isn't so great.

Just a thought!

-David C.

Tail-dragger Landing
 

Its funny, you bounce them and bounce them, and then one day it just clicks. All of a sudden you don't bounce anymore and you wonder what is different. As mentioned , it probably is speed. I find that some planes like wheel landings and some like three point. I prefer wheel landings myself. I hold it off and hold it off and pretent I'm going to three point. And then at the last second I let go of the elevator and bingo, a wheel landing. Some tail draggers actually land prettier in a slip, but it sounds a little early to go there. For now, just stick with it, and it will happen.

Tail-dragger Landing
 

I absolutely agree with that.

It's amazing how the human being learns things and doesn't realize how it acquires skills.

I reckon that's part of the reason this hobby is so fascinating.

-David C.

Tail-dragger Landing
 

You learn that you have to fly the plane all the way to a stop .
On trics. most people stop flying when wheels touch the ground drive it back to the pit and park it. Tail dragger's are a lot different fly it in and don't be afraid to touch throttle and use rudder. It will grow on you with practice.

great tips
 

Hi guys

Thanks a lot! Make me feel better and confident!

Will try out as advise and go along with nature.

Thanks again.

Tail-dragger Landing
 

I just love the comments from the peanut gallery when I occasionally bounce my Super Sports Senior. Usually, it's along the lines of "Hey, the 3rd landing (or 4th, or 5th....depending on how badly I bounce it!) was ok!" Such sympathy :)

Tail-dragger Landing
 

. . Then there are the people who praise you for managing to do 6 touch-and-go's in one circuit .

ho!

-David C.

Tail-dragger Landing
 

We charge 50 cents a bounce at our club!

Tail-dragger Landing
 

Ouch! Don't think I could afford to fly there! :(

Tail-dragger Landing
 

its just a joke we have at the field calling out on landing 50c $1 $1.50. I agree it could get real expensive

Tail-dragger Landing
 

BTW it kinda shames you into practicing for better landings. lol