Taildragger Question
Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2018 9:19 am
An interesting article in the May 1918 issue of AOPA Flight training left me with a question someone here may have experience with. The article "Now, That's a Crosswind", presents a scenario thusly:
"A Cessna 170 (taildragger) ground looped in a 100 degree (read 'tailwind') crosswind of 21 knots gusting to 24."
As I have continued studying techniques, I understand that, with a 3 point full stall landing, the stick should be held all the way back on roll out to reduce the chance of ground loop, secure the tailwheel to the ground, and provide aerodynamic braking. Sounds good. And with my total tailwheel landing experience of ONE, it works. BUT, landing with a 21 knot tailwind seems to change all that. So, to my thinking, if doing something like this, not recommended, would easing the stick FORWARD as ground roll speed decreases minimize the chance of the tailwheel rising (due to the tailwind) and possible subsequent loss of direction control? I would further guess that some serious right stick (right wing up aileron) action would be crucial as well - or maybe not?
"A Cessna 170 (taildragger) ground looped in a 100 degree (read 'tailwind') crosswind of 21 knots gusting to 24."
As I have continued studying techniques, I understand that, with a 3 point full stall landing, the stick should be held all the way back on roll out to reduce the chance of ground loop, secure the tailwheel to the ground, and provide aerodynamic braking. Sounds good. And with my total tailwheel landing experience of ONE, it works. BUT, landing with a 21 knot tailwind seems to change all that. So, to my thinking, if doing something like this, not recommended, would easing the stick FORWARD as ground roll speed decreases minimize the chance of the tailwheel rising (due to the tailwind) and possible subsequent loss of direction control? I would further guess that some serious right stick (right wing up aileron) action would be crucial as well - or maybe not?