Sport Pilot Talk

I'm going for a tailwheel endorsement. I'm having issues because my three-wheel landings tend to be "squirmy" upon initial touchdown. I think the issue is that I haven't figured out how to determine when the aircraft is exactly aligned with the runway. Things look straight to me, until touchdown when I'm proven wrong.

I was flying a tandem aircraft, so I can't blame things on side-by-side viewing angles.

I don't suppose anyone has any advise for me, or perhaps a good book recommendation?

Thanks!

I would say, don't get fixated on one sight point. Shift your vision from side to side and straight ahead as you make your landing.

eulereit wrote:I'm going for a tailwheel endorsement. I'm having issues because my three-wheel landings tend to be "squirmy" upon initial touchdown. I think the issue is that I haven't figured out how to determine when the aircraft is exactly aligned with the runway. Things look straight to me, until touchdown when I'm proven wrong.

I was flying a tandem aircraft, so I can't blame things on side-by-side viewing angles.

I don't suppose anyone has any advise for me, or perhaps a good book recommendation?

Thanks!

What kind of airplane?

What kind of airplane?

Cub and Super Decathlon

I find the least “dramatic” 3-pointers occur when you get the stick all the way back just as touchdown occurs. This will often result in the tailwheel rolling on slightly first, with the mains dropping a few inches a moment thereafter. It pretty much guarantees the wing is done flying, and results in less “squirreliness” right after touching down. And, of course, with the stick held back throughout the landing roll*.

I would have my students “feel” for the runway with the tailwheel, and then the mains would pretty much take care of themselves. Of course, being straight helps, and that just takes practice.


*I found students had a strong tendency to relax back pressure right after landing. If I saw that happening, sometimes I would have them reach over with their left hands to “help” their right hand hold the stick back.