I have read with interest the ltrs. to the Net re. the concern many
pilots have in the ground handling of a tail dragger KR type. As Danny
DiVito says in a current T.V. commercial, "Lies, all lies." Tail draggers are
not the prop chewing wing tip destroyers they are credited with being.
The practise of hi-speed taxi runs are helpful only in learning to
handle the conversion of wheel landings to having all three wheels on the
ground while still maintaining positive control.
The KR type, or any short coupled a/c, should NOT make turns at any
speed in excess of 3MPH, [normal walking speed.] Turning into an exit ramp,
regardless of how much hi-speed practise you have had can be disastrous if, at
a higher speed, where you are lighter on your wheels, a gust of wind on your
upwind wing can ruin your day.
Unless there is a cable stretched accross the runway and you have a tail
hook, all landings in a KR should be wheel landings. Keeping the tail up until
all flying speed is lost provides good rudder control ans visibility.
In a full stall or three point landing the plane is very vulnerable.
It is still light on its wheels, the rudder is partially blanked and less than
effective, and in a cross-wind situation directional control is difficult.
Conversely, a wheel landing, with a VERY SLIGHT flair gives maximum
rudder control and forward visibility. Hold the tail up until fwd. stick is no
longer effective, then bring the stick back firmly. Now you have tail wheel
cotrol. At this point brakes can be used, sparingly, to maintain directional
control.
Anyway, that's how I do it, Bob Tallini Mark knows me as the
inept pastry chef.
