David-aviator
Well Known Member
This post is a manifestation of a head game for a new RV-8 tail wheel pilot. I am determined to find a technique that will have a predictable out come every time for me. Its probably in the boring column for experienced 8 pilots but it may be of interest for those still in the forest with a tail wheel like myself.
I have stopped "flaring" the airplane to land it.
I guess I should qualify that statement.
I know this is all a head game, you have to break the sink to land any airplane or it will contact the surface rudely and not be pleasant. What i've done is stopped using a deliberate traditional flare - raising nose, reducing power and landing.
I fly the machine to within 2 inches of the runway, level off and let it squeak on before reducing thrust. it works well, even with a little cross wind like today - just drop the up wind wing and the tire will touch.
I've been working on this the last few days. The outcome is satisfactory. After touch down (with ever so gentle forward stick) reduce power, fly the tail down, then full aft stick to keep it there.
The down side is, obviously, this is no short field technique. But it sure works well (for me) on a 5000' concrete runway. I estimate walking speed in about 1800' without using brakes. This is with approach speed of 65 knots, 40 flaps and power as needed to maintain VASI glide slope.
I have stopped "flaring" the airplane to land it.
I guess I should qualify that statement.
I know this is all a head game, you have to break the sink to land any airplane or it will contact the surface rudely and not be pleasant. What i've done is stopped using a deliberate traditional flare - raising nose, reducing power and landing.
I fly the machine to within 2 inches of the runway, level off and let it squeak on before reducing thrust. it works well, even with a little cross wind like today - just drop the up wind wing and the tire will touch.
I've been working on this the last few days. The outcome is satisfactory. After touch down (with ever so gentle forward stick) reduce power, fly the tail down, then full aft stick to keep it there.
The down side is, obviously, this is no short field technique. But it sure works well (for me) on a 5000' concrete runway. I estimate walking speed in about 1800' without using brakes. This is with approach speed of 65 knots, 40 flaps and power as needed to maintain VASI glide slope.
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