Tail Dragon...
So with a bunch of practice, I'm now consistently wheel-landing the RV-8 with no bounce, and this morning I did two nice three-pointers with flaps up. So what do y'all prefer in a gusty crosswind to make rollout easier -- wheel landing or three-point, flaps up or down?
And what do folks prefer in the other RV taildraggers?
Thanks
Ed
Hi Ed,
Great hearing from you and glad you're doing well!
I was asked this recently and commented on the thread link above. After 3700+ RV TD landings you'd think I had a handle on it! Maybe...
I have learned a couple of things I'll share.
First, the stock RV rudder (3,4,6) tends to get blanked a bit during three point landings. I ALWAYS
wheels landed my RV4, Rocket and X in a crosswind or when runway length wasn't an issue. I also found over time that Flaps up landings aided in directional control in strong gusts (15 knots)
Second, If the X-wind component was greater than 15Kts I searched for other options, runways, airports etc. Why? As you decelerate in a strong crosswind, even the giant, gangly-looking rudder on the Next generation (pre-drilled) RV's becomes ineffective.
Third: Grass strips provide better forgiveness for poor technique or crosswinds.
The RV (especially the 8 with it's spring gear) is a pussycat tail-dragger IMHO compared to the Scouts, Ag-Cats, Pawnees and Luscombes of my Youth. Any technique you master that works obviously is sound however, be open to try other techniques.
I will challenge you to try flying final at the slowest speed possible on calm days. (60Knots) You'll be a better pilot for it. If you ever see a crosswind component above 17 knots (Max factory number for the Decathlon) I would look to land elsewhere.
Bottom Line: Wheels landings provide better forward visibility, rudder effectiveness and braking.They also look cooler IMHO!
V/R
Smokey
PS:
Even the F-16 lands better in a Crosswind with a slight wing low attitude, a bit less AOA and lowering the nose...