Hi Netters. On the subject of high speed taxi tests before the first flight , I have read with interest some of the comments.
Tail wheel pilots get very good at using the rudder properly. As one member pointed out you must be very aware of the beginning of a turn off the center line . The farther you have drifted off the more vigorous the application of the rudder will have to be . It is equally important to note when it is coming back to the center line and apply opposite rudder so that it will stop turning just as it gets to center, Some refer to this as "dancing a jig" on the rudder pedals. This takes practice . This is why the practice of high speed taxi testing is valuable. Be aware of the gyroscopic forces that want to cause the plane to turn off the center line. That prop while it is spinning is capable of strong gyroscopic thrusts. The more power you have applied the stronger the effect and the more rudder that will be applied to correct it. If you raise the tail too fast you had better be prepared for a quick rudder input before you are out on the grass in the left field. Ground loops can be nasty in some planes (and very expensive too). A friend built a Stits Playboy.(low winged tail wheel equipped).He had no brakes. If he ran out of runway on landing he would purposely ground loop it at the far end of the runway. I saw this done one day. He spun around about three times accompanied by a great cloud of dust and after it stopped , just taxied away. It had a 125 HP Lycoming . If you have no brakes on full power take off and try to force the tail up quickly you need full right rudder to try to keep it straight. He later installed brakes.I flew it before and after the brake installation. I liked the persons suggestion to taxi the plane all over the place to get used to handling it in tight situations. A tail dragger on skiis will teach you good rudder application and quick bursts of power to force a turn when cross wind and ice decide to make it do the opposite. Think ahead, practice and enjoy. Regards Harold Woods Orillia,ON.Canada. [email protected]
