Tailwheel training and new stablemate for the Mooney

[Tony Armour]

Three lessons so far (6.5 hours) and I have had highs and lows :-) I knew there was a learning curve to the tailwheel itself. What I didn't expect was just how hard it would be to keep this little buger coordinated in flight. Turns, ascending, and even descending to some extent needing constant attention. What's wrong with feet on the floor like a Mooney haha ? I'm "supposed" to be able to do that with no issues....right ? :-) Anyway, pretty much ready to be signed off on the tailwheel stuff. If all goes as planned I will be headed out to Colorado in the next couple weeks or so to bring back a Just Superstol. After 20 years of flying, 17 years in (2) Mooney's I decided that maybe I'm missing an aspect of GA that I should experience while I can. One grass field landing in all that time but this is such a smooth field (2,200') I have been flying the Bravo in there for the lessons. I got ten landings there in the Just and after he flew me back to the local paved strip to get the Bravo I had to give it a shot. No Issues so far. The picture is the Just SuperstoI have been training in. First two lessons were in a Just Highlander, very similar. There will still be a lot to learn if I want to use the full potential of the airplane. The goal was to keep as much separation as possible between the Bravo and any other airplane. Will I like it ? Time will tell.

[RLCarter]

Stick & Rudder, the long lost art. You fly tailwheel aircraft all the way to the hangar

[Raptor05121]

In a perfect world, a man needs two airplanes. Something with some legs to travel (Mooney) and something low and slow, stick and rudder.

[tony]

I love those airplanes!! It spends its time at the opposite end of the envelop. 

[FlyDave]

Tony,

About a year ago I went halves on an Aerotrek A220 light sport tail wheel airplane - pic attached. I went in on this plane for the same reasons you state - Bravo is for traveling and the AeroTrek is for noodling around locally. It's a fun plane to fly but absolutely terrible in turbulence!

I've see videos on YouTube of a guy landing a SuperStol on the side of a mountain on what looks like a 45 degree grade - AMAZING!! That guy is truly one with his airplane and makes it look so easy.

You're going to enjoy the SuperStol - Congrats!!

Dave

[mike_elliott]

7 hours ago, Raptor05121 said:

In a perfect world, a man needs two airplanes. Something with some legs to travel (Mooney) and something low and slow, stick and rudder.

no, he needs three, another one to land at his lake house. Or he could be like Rocketman and just own 3 Mooney's

[Guest]

6 hours ago, mike_elliott said:

no, he needs three, another one to land at his lake house. Or he could be like Rocketman and just own 3 Mooney's

Three seems like a good number, the 400 for travel, the RV4 for fun and the Mite for retirement.

Clarence

[kerry]

Here's my conventional gear bird.  After flying it for an hour it's nice to get out and stretch.  Then when I fly the Mooney I feel like I'm riding in a luxury airliner.

[jasona900]

Taildraggers really are fun.  Here is mine, and it's for sale!  It won't get near enough attention now that I have a Mooney in the hangar next door.  PM me for anyone who is interested..

 

 

[bonal]

I saw Flydaves Aerotrek in person real nice looks like some great fun

[Guest]

2 hours ago, kerry said:

Here's my conventional gear bird.  After flying it for an hour it's nice to get out and stretch.  Then when I fly the Mooney I feel like I'm riding in a luxury airliner.

Nice, they've always reminded me of the Fairchild 22.

Clarence

[Joe Zuffoletto]

Wow, some beautiful airplanes out there!

[Tony Armour]

21 hours ago, FlyDave said:

Tony,

About a year ago I went halves on an Aerotrek A220 light sport tail wheel airplane - pic attached. I went in on this plane for the same reasons you state - Bravo is for traveling and the AeroTrek is for noodling around locally. It's a fun plane to fly but absolutely terrible in turbulence!

I've see videos on YouTube of a guy landing a SuperStol on the side of a mountain on what looks like a 45 degree grade - AMAZING!! That guy is truly one with his airplane and makes it look so easy.

You're going to enjoy the SuperStol - Congrats!!

Dave

That is a good looking airplane !

[JohnB]

You're did one of my dreams! Was just thinking how cool it would be to have a tail wheel plane plus my Bravo. Saw the new X Cub and am already salivating. One day I hope! Good job and sweet planes!

[Joe Zuffoletto]

Like Dave, I have the Mooney for serious travel and then I bought an RV for weekend fun near home. Here it is:

[Raptor05121]

23 hours ago, jasona900 said:

Taildraggers really are fun.  Here is mine, and it's for sale!  It won't get near enough attention now that I have a Mooney in the hangar next door.  PM me for anyone who is interested..

 

 

My grandpa has a 1939 ragwing 8A sitting in a garage about 200 feet away from my house. Wings up in the rafters, tails hung on the wall. It needs a complete restoration. I've always had dreams of bringing it back, but completely airworthy units are a lot less to purchase. It would be cool to fly, though.

[MB65E]

Just now, Raptor05121 said:

My grandpa has a 1939 ragwing 8A sitting in a garage about 200 feet away from my house. Wings up in the rafters, tails hung on the wall. It needs a complete restoration. I've always had dreams of bringing it back, but completely airworthy units are a lot less to purchase. It would be cool to fly, though.

Pictures of your grandpas project? 

With your mooney restoration almost under your belt, the Luscombe should be easy for you!!

Im looking for a fabric wing 8a one day. 

-Matt

[DXB]

When I move to Alaska and become a hermit

On 8/2/2016 at 0:25 AM, Tony Armour said:

Three lessons so far (6.5 hours) and I have had highs and lows :-) I knew there was a learning curve to the tailwheel itself. What I didn't expect was just how hard it would be to keep this little buger coordinated in flight. Turns, ascending, and even descending to some extent needing constant attention. What's wrong with feet on the floor like a Mooney haha ? I'm "supposed" to be able to do that with no issues....right ? :-) Anyway, pretty much ready to be signed off on the tailwheel stuff. If all goes as planned I will be headed out to Colorado in the next couple weeks or so to bring back a Just Superstol. After 20 years of flying, 17 years in (2) Mooney's I decided that maybe I'm missing an aspect of GA that I should experience while I can. One grass field landing in all that time but this is such a smooth field (2,200') I have been flying the Bravo in there for the lessons. I got ten landings there in the Just and after he flew me back to the local paved strip to get the Bravo I had to give it a shot. No Issues so far. The picture is the Just SuperstoI have been training in. First two lessons were in a Just Highlander, very similar. There will still be a lot to learn if I want to use the full potential of the airplane. The goal was to keep as much separation as possible between the Bravo and any other airplane. Will I like it ? Time will tell.

 

I love the idea of training in one of these - wish I had the time or mission for it.  It will definitely be a priority when I move to Alaska and become a back woods hermit!

 

[Hank]

Sounds like a plan! Not sure what i would do the 10 months between summers, though--use the Mooney to go somewhere warm?

[Raptor05121]

10 hours ago, MB65E said:

Pictures of your grandpas project? 

With your mooney restoration almost under your belt, the Luscombe should be easy for you!!

Im looking for a fabric wing 8a one day. 

-Matt

I'll post when I get home- I have pictures on my desktop. The story I'm told is they went to Sun N Fun in the 90s looking for a new C-65 engine and they paid like $3k deposit on a new engine from an engine supplier and before they shipped, they went belly-up, and took their money with them. So it sits.

[mooneyflyfast]

here is my tailwheel project.. It's a 63 Champion 7EC with O-235 conversion.. Been in storage since 76.  I am restoring it from the bare bones.. note the seats on top of the rack  The're covered in elkskin

[kerry]

100 hp in  Champ will be quite nice.

[Tony Armour]

I left last Tuesday commercial to Grand Junction Co. Headed back to Georgia Thursday morning. 25 hours on the Hobbs, around 15 different airports, longest day was two legs 4:10 and 3:15. Camped three nights and stayed on an FBO couch (hot shower!!) one night. Due to low ceilings Sunday I couldn't leave Arkansas until 1.5 hours before dark but did make it into Mississippi. Even after departing the high ground I did a lot of high flying 9.5k to 10.5 k, several times it was worth 30 mph....just losing the headwind. Took care of a couple of minor maintenance issues at two different airports. Met a bunch of super nice people ! Really an awesome time, no plans, no schedule. 

[MB65E]

I want one! To bad they cost so much. I love the demos they do at Oshkosh and on YouTube. 

Luscombe with 800's on it. C90, keep it light. It will be maybe half as cool as the Just for 1/3rd the cost. It will work in the hangar with my dad's Sonex too!!

 

 

 

[MB65E]

1 hour ago, Tony Armour said:

I left last Tuesday commercial to Grand Junction Co. Headed back to Georgia Thursday morning. 25 hours on the Hobbs, around 15 different airports, longest day was two legs 4:10 and 3:15. Camped three nights and stayed on an FBO couch (hot shower!!) one night. Due to low ceilings Sunday I couldn't leave Arkansas until 1.5 hours before dark but did make it into Mississippi. Even after departing the high ground I did a lot of high flying 9.5k to 10.5 k, several times it was worth 30 mph....just losing the headwind. Took care of a couple of minor maintenance issues at two different airports. Met a bunch of super nice people ! Really an awesome time, no plans, no schedule. 

Big Congrats too!!