Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:06 pm
#1804294
The secret to keeping it straight on take-off is to line up at the end of the runway and pull forward a few feet to make sure the tailwheel is straight. I set 1500RPM and check the carb heat one last time (Continentals ice up quickly especially on the ground), look at the wind sock to check for a crosswind and apply into wind ailerons.
Look into the distance and pick a feature to aim at, release the brakes with the elevator slightly back smoothly apply full power with sufficient rudder to keep straight it might be necessary to apply a small 'dab' of brake in the first few meters of the ground roll to help keep straight but be very careful not to apply too much or you may nose over, as the speed gets beyond a fast taxy there will be plenty of rudder authority slide your feet down the pedals so you only apply rudder. It is now time to raise the tail to the level flying attitude by pushing forward gently watch out for the P effect at this point so you might require a little more right rudder to keep aiming at the feature, as the speed increases you will require less forward pressure to keep the level attitude and less ailerons into wind, use your peripheral vision to have a quick check of the ASI and when you think it is ready to fly ease back gently on the yoke and you should be flying. Rotate too early and the tailwheel will touch the ground, too late and it will start bouncing or skipping.
Remember if you keep it perfectly straight there is no tendency for the swing to develop. The better job you do keeping it straight the easier it is.
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FLYER Club Member
