Tail Wheels are Dangerous

[Blw2]

Many years ago when I was actively flying and very current...not long after my instrument rating, the school has a lease back 7AC Champ...so I went for a tailwheel sign off

Solidly the most fun I've had flying was in that thing.

but I never could get the hang of it. I tried a couple other times in a cessna 120 and a 140.

I think you're right about the Cessna's leading to poor instruction.... but I think it's more than that.

I don't think the tail wheels on those aircraft at least most of the time, were rigged properly. The would make a terrible racket as soon as the tail settled
but I think my primary issue was not being able to get over my fear of prop strike when raising the tail. It just felt wrong to me.

[Taltruda]

Originally Posted by Blw2

but I think my primary issue was not being able to get over my fear of prop strike when raising the tail. It just felt wrong to me.

I have a fix for that.. one trick is to chock the wheels, have a student in the plane and raise the tail. By having the prop at 12 and 6, you can raise the tail and let them see the sight picture where the prop would hit. Usually it’s at such a ridiculous angle that the student realizes that you don’t need to be afraid to raise the tail on takeoff.

[rv8ch]

Originally Posted by Taltruda

I have a fix for that.. one trick is to chock the wheels, have a student in the plane and raise the tail. By having the prop at 12 and 6, you can raise the tail and let them see the sight picture where the prop would hit. Usually it’s at such a ridiculous angle that the student realizes that you don’t need to be afraid to raise the tail on takeoff.

Very good suggestion. When I was getting RV-8 transition training my instructor did this - and it helped me a lot. One "sight picture" is worth 1000s of CFI words.

[Blw2]

Originally Posted by Taltruda

I have a fix for that.. one trick is to chock the wheels, have a student in the plane and raise the tail. By having the prop at 12 and 6, you can raise the tail and let them see the sight picture where the prop would hit. Usually it’s at such a ridiculous angle that the student realizes that you don’t need to be afraid to raise the tail on takeoff.

nice! I'm going to remember this in case I ever get a chance to try it again!