David-aviator
Well Known Member
Had an hour of instruction in a RV-6 today with CFI Frank Baldwin just to test the water on whether or not this old goat can learn a new trick or two. I have more time in my dentist's chair than flying a tail dragger and its been on my mind lately whether my brain has got enough elasticity to soak up landing with a tail wheel.
First off, Frank is one heck of an instructor, especially with a tail wheels. We talked a lot, flew the usual slow flight stuff, steep turns, stalls and then headed for his own green strip adjacent a bean field on a farm near Silex, MO. He showed me how it is done and then I did it and bounced a bit and then he showed me again and by the end of the session I was wearing a tail wheel grin.
The transition is all mental - the wheels are up front and not behind and that necessitates just a tad of forward pressure as the aircraft touches down. What a great feeling when you finally get it right! Books have been written on the subject so there really isn't more to say about it. Once you do it, it all makes sense.
Anyway, the BFR was about due so it is done, but for sure I will fly a few more times with Frank before launching the 8. I been flying a long time and know there is a potential to screw up, especially doing something new, so I will accept all the help there is.
It's like the old dog that finally learned how to jump through a hoop - got to try a few more times to make sure it can be done.
First off, Frank is one heck of an instructor, especially with a tail wheels. We talked a lot, flew the usual slow flight stuff, steep turns, stalls and then headed for his own green strip adjacent a bean field on a farm near Silex, MO. He showed me how it is done and then I did it and bounced a bit and then he showed me again and by the end of the session I was wearing a tail wheel grin.
The transition is all mental - the wheels are up front and not behind and that necessitates just a tad of forward pressure as the aircraft touches down. What a great feeling when you finally get it right! Books have been written on the subject so there really isn't more to say about it. Once you do it, it all makes sense.
Anyway, the BFR was about due so it is done, but for sure I will fly a few more times with Frank before launching the 8. I been flying a long time and know there is a potential to screw up, especially doing something new, so I will accept all the help there is.
It's like the old dog that finally learned how to jump through a hoop - got to try a few more times to make sure it can be done.
