miyu1975
Well Known Member
After building for nearly 3.5 years and logging ZERO hours, I finally got back up in the air last week and logged my first tailwheel hours. My instructor owns an RV6 and a Cessna 140. The first day he took me in the RV6, mostly for a joy ride but he let me fly and even did about 4 landings and take offs. After not flying for 3.5 years I walked away feeling that I did great and would be able to transition into an RV and taildragger easily. And then I flew the Cessna 140. My instructor is very good and has trained many in their tailwheel endorsments. I logged 2.2 hours in the 140. In that time I struggled on landings and takeoffs, but mostly landing. We were doing full stall landing. I didn't hit all three wheels at once, instead I hit the mains first then the tailwheel, then mains, then tailwheel...hopping right down the runway. Once I got the wheels on the pavement, I guess I wasn't dancing enough on the rudder pedals because the plane then starting turning to the left (of the 5500 x 100ft runway) , "give it a little right rudder", I say to myself as I am heading to left of the runway into the grass...but nothing happens. Before long my instructor has his feet on the pedals and has us straightened out in no time (why couldn't I do that, I say). Mind you the wind was calm. I did maybe 7 or 8 take off and landings.. Didn't really feel comfortable on any. I walked away from the 140 thinking, "is it to late to convert to an A model (yes), can I really do this". My instructed said if you can fly the 140 then you'll have no issue in RV. I tend to take his word for it as he is very good and has trained many, I am lucky I have him and lucky he kept me out of the weeds. In my discouragement, I am trying recall my inital flight training and how long it took me to learn to land a 152 (I don't really remember, but I am sure it wasn't in the first 3 hours) and do so comfortably.
So far I have 3.3 hours in tailwheel....can't wait to go up again.
to be continued...
So far I have 3.3 hours in tailwheel....can't wait to go up again.
to be continued...