Love this aircraft but I am having a huge problem landing without at least 6 or more bounces. I have flown other tail draggers but this one is brutal.
Anyone have any tips on proper landing technique?
Love this aircraft but I am having a huge problem landing without at least 6 or more bounces. I have flown other tail draggers but this one is brutal.
Anyone have any tips on proper landing technique?
Have you tried three point landings?
When you touch the mains down with the aircraft still relatively level, the tail still has downward momentum. Due to that momentum, the tail will dip, instantly increasing your angle of attack, sending you back into the air. It’s worse if the CG is farther aft of the mains. There are a few ways to combat this…
A shallow descent angle will reduce your final vertical speed, which will reduce the tail dip, but requires a longer rollout - not good for bush landings.
A slower approach speed will reduce the available lift when the tail dips. Watch out for stalls…
When approaching as you do now, be ready for a little forward stick at the same time you touch down to counter the tail dip. This take a LOT of practice though.
As mentioned, a three-point landing (mains and tail touch at the same time, or at least close to it) will have you landing with the angle of attack already up. This also takes practice, and requires lower speed, so again, watch for stalls.
Main gear landings coupled with even a light crosswind, questionable ground physics, and exaggerated weathervaning, lead to inner thoughts of “Do I even know what I’m doing any more?!”
Three point landings, and a tail wheel lock, and I’m good.
I applied something I learned from a Trent Palmer video after having the same problems that is working pretty well: As I’m touching the ground or very close (on my way to a 3 point touchdown–I still have no idea how to land on main gear without making a huge mess), I retract the flaps. This decreases the lift and pushes the plane into the ground.
Thank you very much for all your suggestions.
No, but I will try that, thanks
I will try that
Very interesting, I will try that