Tailwind 70th Anniversary | A classic with true staying power

The Wittman Tailwind, like EAA itself, celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023. Learn more about the iconic homebuilt design created by aviation legend and Wisconsin native Steve Wittman. View EAA Sport Aviation digital edition: www.EAA.org/sp...
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[@AirSafetyInstitute]

What a beautiful and unique aircraft. Thank you for sharing!

[@m.j.mateyka7350]

My dad Joe Mateyka was a friend of Witt, and was on his ground crew for a few races. He turned the landing gears for the Tailwinds that S. J. used and sold to people building Tailwinds. Dad had to get a blacksmith in Oshkosh, Louise Chech, bend and temper them. My dad was more of an Aeronca Champ-Taylorcraft pilot, so his description of flying Witt's Tailwind was wicked. He said it was too hot for him. I always enjoyed going out to see Witt when he and Dorothy were doping the wings or fuselage of the plane he was building. I still live the smell of dope.

[@adambadger]

The most interesting thing about the Tailwinds are the tails. At the event, each tail was unique and different from the next one.

[@billyjack3361]

At 2:16 that’s a Buttercup, not a Tailwind. Although designed by the same Steve Whitman.

[@chetmyers7041]

As a casual observer, "It doesn't seem to have much rudder surface." How is this plane for a novice taildrager pilot?

[@pauleyplay]

Dont go there. Build your time. Not difficult Just different. N31039

[@m.j.mateyka7350]

My dad was a fiend of S.J. and a recreational pilot. Witt let him fly a Tailwind, and my dad described it a wicked. Very fast and very responsive. (My dad had a clipped winged T-Craft and an Aeronca Champ, which were more his speed. Witt did borrow dad's Champ to do a Drunken Professor bit at a airshow in Oshkosh. ) Dad actually turned landing gears that Witt sold to people who were building a Tailwind.

[@pauleyplay]

Believe me non of them go 200. tailwind 31039

[@karlw7764]

? Race 37 went 232mph around the triangle at SARL.