Tailwheel training in a Super Decathlon for RV7 suitable?

[William Slaughter]

I believe that the Super Decathlon is the best non-RV trainer when actual RV training is unavailable. The symmetrical wing makes it handle much more like an RV in the low speed and landing regime than Ciatabrias or similar. I'm flying one weekly for currency while my RV-8 is down for its ADS-B installation.

[Thermos]

Originally Posted by D Weisgerber

I had quite a few hours in a Citabra before I flew my RV-6. I seemed like a pretty easy transition.

+1. I've been flying a Citabria to keep my tailwheel skills current and when doing my transition training with Mike Seager I found the -7 to be easier to handle.

Dave

[Fhuber]

Kay, I agree with Paul. Find someone with lots of experience in tailwheel RVs and have them do the first couple flights. I assume your RV is in Germany, so I don't know what the rules are there. But if it's in the US, you can have an experienced RV pilot fly with you during the test flying.
I flew for a living for 36 years, but had very little RV experience. So I had my friend, Tom Berge, a highly experienced RV instructor do the first two flights and fly with me on the third flight. My first flight was still very exciting and memorable.

Frank

[flyinhood]

What ever you fly, learn wheel landings. Most of the folks i have helped needed 10 hours in the pattern and 60 laps.

[KayS]

Thanks for the inputs... will go ahead to get trained on the Decathlon. Can't hurt.

I didn't want to start a discussion if somebody with my skill level should do the first flight. Even if somebody else does the first hours, at some point you will sit in the aircraft alone.

[YvesCH]

Originally Posted by pjc

Haha. I started to get my initial tail wheel endorsement in just such a Champ. Before I got proficient I switched to a Cub (clone) with all the comforts (including a starter and an O-200). After the tail wheel sign-off I moved to a few hours of dual in an RV-8, then about 10 of transition training in my RV-6. Some 50 hours later I think *maybe* I?m ready to try the Champ again. That thing will make you a pilot! Never scary, but challenging, and you can *never* stop paying attention.

Back on topic, yes do get time in a Decathalon, it?s fine experience (and much better than nothing). Then get some proper transition training in your RV of choice.

Peter

Hmm sorry but about which Champ are you talking about? I am co-owning a 7ECA from 1965 with the Oleo Gear and I can`t imagine that there is a taildragger around which is easier to land? It nearly lands itself. Compared to Jodel`s which are way more sensitive..

As I will have to do my first flight as well soon (1/2 year) I will train in a Cap 10 as this Aircraft has about the same power than my RV-8...

[caryr]

Kay

I flew a Taylorcraft to get my tailwheel signoff.

A friend had a RV-6 that I flew a couple of times, but he wouldn't let me land it.

It helps to get adjusted to the slow flight feeling.

I took it to short final several times.

Rv's are smooth and don't slow down very easily.

On the first flight I made several aborted attempts on landing, on purpose, to feel the sink rate.

I also was on a grass runway. more forgiving than the pavement.

[sblack]

There are champs and there are champs. some have a large dorsal extension in front of the fin (the later ones I think). the early ones don't and are more of a handful.

Fly any tailwheel you can get your hands on. But don't do the first flight as a tailwheel beginner, or as a pilot who is not current due to too many hrs bashing rivets and turning wrenches. You need to have the flying as second nature so that you can deal with any mechanical issues you might have. Get somebody with lots of time that doesn't have to think about the hands and feet. Then when everything is working well, learn how to fly it. RVs are not difficult tailwheel airplanes to fly.

[8317R]

If you can land a Citabria or Decathlon from the back set you will be set.

[chevytoo]

I just experienced my first flight in my RV-9A I have years of flying experience. . I took an instructor with me for that first flight. My first flight was 0.7 hours. We stalled the aeroplane and did slow flight and maneuvers. Only 1 landing. I was happy I had the instructor along to build my confidence. He also corrected me on some of my procedures. My latest experience was in a 172. The RV does handle different but easy to get used to. I recommend you use an instructor who has flown an RV for as long as it takes to get comfortable.
I learned to fly on a tail wheel. I feel any tail wheel experience will help.