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09-13-2017, 05:29 AM
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Jazz Town, USA, TX
Posts: 501
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The Complete Taildragger Pilot
This book was recommended by a flight instructor.
Have any of you read it, or own this book?
Is it worth buying?
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09-13-2017, 06:01 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 1,015
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I bought this and other books, also read a bunch of articles on the web about the physics of taildraggers (torque effects on takeoff, ground loops etc.), landing techniques, cross wind landings etc. All were good reads and interesting however at the end of the day about 10 hours of tailwheel instruction with a very good instructor in a Pacer was the best money I spent.
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09-13-2017, 06:56 AM
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been here awhile
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 4,301
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Even though it was written in a different era, it is still hard to beat " Stick and Rudder" for explaining the physics of landing a tail dragger.
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09-13-2017, 07:03 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Huntsville, AL USA
Posts: 546
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Both Books
I own both books - and both are good. I think the "Complete" book could have used some better editing. Either one will give you a good foundation on how things work and what to expect. But I agree with Dave - the instructor time is where you really learn it!
__________________
Dan Langhout
2020 =VAF= Dues PAID . . . . .
RV-7 N528DP slow build
First Flight July 26th, 2014
665 hours and counting . . . .
Now based at Moontown (3M5)
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09-13-2017, 07:35 AM
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Jazz Town, USA, TX
Posts: 501
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Langhout
I own both books - and both are good. I think the "Complete" book could have used some better editing. Either one will give you a good foundation on how things work and what to expect. But I agree with Dave - the instructor time is where you really learn it!
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Spoke with the instructor yesterday. He suggested reading this book before we go fly. I have a little over 100 hours tailwheel time, but that was in 1984 (DC-3).
And flying the '3 is nothing like flying an RV, or anything similar in size. Plus it was so looooong ago!
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09-13-2017, 08:06 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 1,015
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Try this article by Budd Davisson
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09-13-2017, 08:55 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: 2M8
Posts: 43
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Great article!
Quote:
Originally Posted by uk_figs
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Great read! Thanks for posting!
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Dues gladly paid!
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09-13-2017, 09:19 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chesterfield, Missouri
Posts: 4,514
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Bud Davisson is very good on the subject. His forum talks at OSH are great. He holds your attention on any subject related to flying.
I like Stick and Rudder too. Despite its age, it has a lot to say about safe flying, tail wheel and otherwise.
The safety record of tail wheel flying had everyones attention at the time, it was not good coming out of WWII and was the motivating factor in switch to trikes for primary training after the war.
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09-13-2017, 11:22 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Half Moon Bay, CA
Posts: 1,035
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Good book, and very prescient. I was ready for issues on landing with a tail-dragger, but never considered takeoff. On my first instructional flight, I aggressively lifted the tail and ... then fought the plane as I zig-zag'ed down the runway, fighting to keep the plane on centerline. Predicted by the book, but not expected based on my nose dragger training.
Also, the "jounce" ... go around time!
I found the book very useful coming from (recovering from) a nose dragger experience base.
(I looked it up ... "compleat" is actually a word ;-)
__________________
Bill Bencze
N430WB RV-7 #74152 @ KHAF, tip-up; IO-360-M1B; Hartzell CS. !! Phase 1 !!
2357 hrs over 8.5 years to get to flying. Log at: http://rv7.wbencze.com
VAF 2020 donation happily made
Last edited by wjb : 09-13-2017 at 11:24 PM.
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09-14-2017, 03:13 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Yorkshire, England
Posts: 2,052
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uk_figs
I bought this and other books, also read a bunch of articles on the web about the physics of taildraggers (torque effects on takeoff, ground loops etc.), landing techniques, cross wind landings etc. All were good reads and interesting however at the end of the day about 10 hours of tailwheel instruction with a very good instructor in a Pacer was the best money I spent.
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You nailed it in your summary...
Nothing beats good practical demonstration and instruction.
Just having discussions with a buddy who coincidentally has just bought a Pacer, how strange. He was confused about torques, p's etc etc. I sat him down with a cup of tea and described 3 take offs and landings with differing wind effects. He understood that easily and can now go to his instructor with a much better understanding of how relaxed tailwheel conversions can be without over thinking the science.
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