Taildragger handling?

bbqjon · #1 12-06-2018, 12:48 PM

Hello RV community:

I am respectfully open to any and all opinions/explanations concerning the handling characteristics of the RV-14 during taxi, take-off, and landing. How does it stack up with other taildraggers of similar design, size, power...etc? Can an entry-level tailwheel pilot handle this aircraft adequately and safely?

Thanks in advance for any and all comments!

DeltaRomeo · #2 12-06-2018, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbqjon

snip...Can an entry-level tailwheel pilot handle this aircraft adequately and safely?....snip

Yes. I got my tailwheel endorsement in my RV-6.

And welcome to the good ship VAF (can't believe I beat Mike to the punch).

Ironflight · #3 12-06-2018, 01:03 PM

I fly a lot of different airplanes, and yes - the RV-14 is a pussycat when it comes to handling on the ground, or during take-off or landing. Any taildragger can bite you if you ignore it or abuse it of course - but the -14 (like most all of the RV’s) is a very easy taildragger to fly.

Paul

bbqjon · #4 12-06-2018, 01:04 PM

Thanks Doug! Appreciate the comment!

dlloyd3 · #5 12-06-2018, 01:04 PM

I would expect the 14 to have the same gentle characteristics and good manners like other Van's taildraggers. My very first ride in a 7 ended in a greaser of a landing followed by five more. The first time ever in a tailwheel airplane. Then three hours in a Champ, an endorsement, I was ready to go. Not every landing has been smooth however. Like other tailwheel airplanes while on the ground you better not text and drive or copy an IFR clearance while moving.

bbqjon · #6 12-06-2018, 01:32 PM

I love reading KITPLANES Magazine! Truly appreciate the feedback. Describing it as a pussycat sets my mind at ease. Appreciate your comments.
Thanks Mr. Dye!

bbqjon · #7 12-06-2018, 01:39 PM

Thanks Dave! I will definitely pay attention while taxiing. One of the reasons I posted this tread was to get good feedback like yours on handling including the dreaded ground loop.
Thanks again!

rmartingt · #8 12-06-2018, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbqjon

Can an entry-level tailwheel pilot handle this aircraft adequately and safely?

I did my tailwheel transition in my dad?s RV-6 with about 60 hours under my belt.

bbqjon · #9 12-07-2018, 07:49 AM

Thanks martingt

ALagonia · #10 12-07-2018, 08:19 AM

I was a very new tailwheel pilot when I bought my RV9 in August. Lots of time in twins, turbines and jets. It took me about 15 hours to start feeling comfortable. Now with a little over 35 hours it feels like second nature. That?s not to say everyone of my landings are greasers now. But in the last 25 landings or so I?ve only had one bouncer.