Tailwheel family, here I come!
- Thread starter CN94559
- Start date
The Champ is a great tw platform, mainly because of the speed and visibility. It also shares the 'overall feel' with the rest of the 7 series Citabrias. The larger/newer models certainly are different, but the habits learned in the champ apply to all of them pretty well.
I've flown a half dozen of the 7 series planes, as well as a random few other RVs and Piper tailwheel models. Most of the dual I gave was in a 7GCAA (that someone decided to total a few months after I left that FBO) and I think that was a great way to get someone into a tailwheel plane. It has so much extra power, it was easy to get out of any bad situation, if you just added power to go around. I'm certain the accident that happened could have been avioded with prompt power application.
Anyhow, have fun with the Champ. It does great on grass. Once you get landings down
them make sure to get LOTS of time in good crosswinds, and on paved runways. You are not ready to practice your new skills until you can handle the plane in a strong, gusty crosswind. The point when you think you need to get out and push it to parking by hanging on the struts is about what you should be able to land in. Landing a tailwheel plane is easy. Holding it straight, in a strong gusty wind, where you can count at least a second or two between when each of the wheels touches down, one at a time, is just fun.
I've flown a half dozen of the 7 series planes, as well as a random few other RVs and Piper tailwheel models. Most of the dual I gave was in a 7GCAA (that someone decided to total a few months after I left that FBO) and I think that was a great way to get someone into a tailwheel plane. It has so much extra power, it was easy to get out of any bad situation, if you just added power to go around. I'm certain the accident that happened could have been avioded with prompt power application.
Anyhow, have fun with the Champ. It does great on grass. Once you get landings down
them make sure to get LOTS of time in good crosswinds, and on paved runways. You are not ready to practice your new skills until you can handle the plane in a strong, gusty crosswind. The point when you think you need to get out and push it to parking by hanging on the struts is about what you should be able to land in. Landing a tailwheel plane is easy. Holding it straight, in a strong gusty wind, where you can count at least a second or two between when each of the wheels touches down, one at a time, is just fun.
escapepilot
Well-Known Member
Once you get landings down
:yeahthat:
I love teaching TW at ACZ. If the wind is blowing, its usually a x-wind. In the spring, that can be 15G20 at 80-90 degrees x-wind. :rawk: