Best POV video I've ever seen in my over 50 years of flying...technically and honestly informative with great camera and edit work!! Also loved your naration and the fact you had to land on a good note. GREAT JOB MAN!!! Don
Having several hundreds of Cub hours I made some rules for myself that seem to have worked. 1. You start flying that thing the minute engine starts and stop when the prop stops. 2. Learn to ride a bike before getting into tail draggers, you need the leg muscles and co-ordination. 3. Where ever and when ever possible take the grass. Much more forgiving than the hardtop. I love watching your videos as they bring back a lot of very happy memories. Well done mate.
Man being a fellow youtuber with a channel approaching 120,000 subs I wanted to take a second to applaud your hard work work that goes into your editing. the multi angles, the voice overs, the screen shots, man its a ton of work! Much appreciated!
As a glider tow pilot I've got lots and lots of taildragger time. Consider that towing involves typically 5 or even as many as 10 takeoffs (max performance since you are towing another aircraft) and landings per hour of logged time (also max performance landings since you need to deal with the towrope and also get back to tow another sailplane as quickly as possible.) I've got towing time in 150 and 180 hp Super Cubs, 180 hp Bellanca Scouts, Cessna L-19, Piper Pawnees 180 and 235 hp, Cessna AgWagon 300 hp, and a few other types. The Super Cub is my _least favorite_ of all the taildraggers I've flown. Poor visibility, narrow landing gear, frigging Heel Brakes.... I guess it made me a better pilot... but really, I credit my high density altitude L-19 time for that. The Scouts were the nicest and most comfortable, the Pawnee 235 is a decent towplane, but for modern ballasted openclass sailplanes the AgWagon ruled supreme. And the Super Cubs, while carrying a lot of charm and prestige, basically sucked. Heel Brakes! Try standing on those silly little heel brake pedals while hauling full back stick and considerable aileron for taxiing after a full stall short-softfield landing in a 20 knot crosswind while trailing a 200 foot towrope .... twenty or thirty times in a day as fast as you can make it around the patch. Whoooopeeeee!
Flight Chops is by far the best flight series on youtube.. Another A+ video and one to file away for the tail dragger days ahead.. No other pilot on YT is willing and able to show us the good with the bad and how important it is to always be trainng and learning. Your the best Chops !
forexpro35 Thanks so much for this awesome comment! I try really hard to share real experiences. As long as people understand that I am just a private pilot sharing my journey as I try to improve, I'm cool with it. Like in this case, I'm focusing on flying the crab on final in the Super Cub in a cross wind, but there are many planes that you're better to fly the slip all the way in... So be sure to confirm with your instructor which is best.
Love to see the "loosen up the shoulders and feet" on the pre-landing checklist (from the earlier episode). These videos are so valuable - thanks for being brave enough to share
After 500+ hrs of tailwheel time in Skywagons, Citabrias, RV's, etc....I'm convinced that they make you a more precise pilot, because the aircraft DEMANDS it. The ground loop demon is always out there. Keep him at bay with nimble feet and never stop flying it! Nicely done video.
Recently TW endorsed in a J5A, and had my first day (with the owner/CFI in back) working tough winds (75 degrees, 6-10 +5 gusts) on Sunday. Tough to accept that some of the go arounds are mandated by conditions, not your piloting skill. It was a great day, and learned a ton. Appreciate all the effort you put into your channel, even 7 years ago. Thanks.
WOW!!! that was great - I am a retired ATP SW3 Metroliner, Turbo Commander-690 and Citation-500 but I started in the J3 Cub and Airknocker Tri-champ. This takes me back. GREAT JOB - Excellent Vid.
Thought your video was great! After I had my private pilot's license I would not go up flying in a crosswind. One day I thought to myself how stupid it was that I was a licensed pilot but was stopping myself flying if the wind was across the runway so I did the same thing you did, scared myself a little but was the best thing I could have ever done. Crosswinds don't bother me one bit now. Found out the same secret you did, on windy days you can never stop flying the airplane. Thanks again!!!
The lesson you taught in this video really gave me a different look on flying. It's okay to be freaked out at times when you push your limits and try to sharpen your skills, but too often I'll get (what I call) "The Shaky's". Ending on a good note can give you the immediate opportunity to correct the mistakes you've made on the previous flight. I sincerely believe that not correcting those mistakes immediately can cause a pilot to have a sense of doubt for the next time they're thrown into a similar situation, and sometimes confidence can be the difference between freezing up in an uncertain environment and sticking to your training/gut. I know I'm a little late on watching this one, but the lesson is timeless. Thanks for really highlighting the human element in this video, it's good to see experienced pilot's get back on the saddle after a not-so-perfect landing. As a student pilot, I find channeling your confidence (appropriately) to be an essential skill. Ps. I'm currently in the process of getting my PPL, and most my "flying" is done on FTDs at my work, but man does that #BoseA20 headset look good...
As always, another great video. As a young private pilot enamored with the art of tailwheel flying, this series is gold. I find myself relating my own experiences to the things you talk about, which makes them even better. The video about finding zen on the grass strip perfectly captured what tailwheel flying is when everything clicks. Thanks for the great videos; they're almost like being in the air.
Great job Steve. I had a similar scare last week with bad aileron correction in a Sundowner. Came in with too much energy had a slight bounce for my landing and without cross wind correction got a gust under the wing and went airborne with a second bounce and it was getting worse. Applied full power on the second bounce up and flew up and away from a certain porpoising situation. My hands and legs were shaking all the way back to final for my next attempt. You are so spot on, the only way to learn is to be scared. But not so scared that you break something.
Greg Foulks Yeah, it's a fine line Greg - Glad you got through your recent scare. I recently heard an awesome quote regarding this sort of thing: "It is fun until the moment that it isn't... hopefully you can survive that moment." Kinda dark, but very applicable.
Just learned to fly a taildragger, and YES you do not stop flying the plane until it is stipped. So far have not scared myself.....but still have many years of flying to do. GREAT video, thanks for posting !!!!!
You are doing a great service to the aviation community with your candid videos and commentary. I have well over a thousand hours of teaching TW, mostly in Citabrias. If I might offer a tip that has worked for me: Don't re-trim doing pattern work. If you set your trim for best rate of climb on TO, it should be in perfect trim for the Downwind when you reduce power. When you chop the power for your power off 180 landing, you will need to keep a little bit of back pressure on the stick to keep your wheelie speed. It makes the wheel landing much easier because you are just pulling back to control your rate of decent. When you grease it, just relax the back pressure and the trim will help keep the tail in the air without you having to time a stick forward. It also makes it easier to just add a bit of throttle if you have levelled out a bit high. Hope this helps and, if you have a better method, please share it 🙂
Man I look forward to every other Friday these days. I know I probably underestimate the work required to get a video finished and put it out there but whatever you're doing keep doing it! We all appreciate the time you put in. For me I think I like the way you almost bare your soul in a lot of your commentaries and captions, it's a brave thing to do in the name of improvement (and our entertainment!) but again, keep doing it! Thanks again, Joe
joehodgy Thanks Joe! Yeah, this was a tough one to share. There are some screw ups (like letting Mehran taxi - that was a dumb idea) and I was probably pushing myself a little too hard in those conditions... But yeah, as long as people understand the context of these videos, hopefully there are some valuable take aways for them.
While logging my first hour and a half of time, my instructor and I were doing some stall work. I had a pretty good feel for it until we did one with a bit of a tail wind. Bird stalls, tail comes up, and I say "HOLY DOGSHIT" while pouncing on the throttle and yanking back on the yoke. Instructor gave me an "at least you didn't panic!" But for my first official time logged, it was quite The experience! You're right on point with the notion of 'if you're not scared a bit, you're not learning.'
Chops.... Wanting to get my pilots license and well, figured youTube would give me some insight into what I am likely to experience.... BY FAR your videos have been the most instructive and realistic available. Keep up the great work!
Outstanding video, as usual! I just got my first taste of tailwheel flying this past weekend in a Taylorcraft BC-12. It's essentially a Cub with side by side seating and a different wing, but the same 65hp to lift 380lbs of pilot/instructor! I read an editorial in Plane & Pilot a while back detailing the difference between Pilot's and Aviators. I've been giving that a lot of thought lately, and one thing that I think sets the two apart is that a Pilot meets the "standard", passes the test, and thinks training is over. An Aviator is perpetually looking for ways to improve, to better understand the airplane and WHY we do what we do, no matter how many hours they have in their logbook. Another point is that a Pilot, for fear of competition, will never admit to mistakes they make. An aviator, with a deeper concern for the aviation community as a whole, will readily share their mistakes with others, as a teaching tool to improve the whole of our art. Your videos set a very good example of how an Aviator should act, if you ask me. Anyway, Keep 'em flyin!
+lonestarreview thanks so much for this awesome comment! It is rewarding to hear stuff like this! And that is a great way to boil down the fundamental differences between pilots and aviators!
flightsim481 Thanks so much! But I am always cautious about calling any of my stuff "training or educational videos" because I am not qualified... As long as viewers are aware of the context of my being a private pilot sharing "real learning experiences" I'm happy to share :).
***** Hi Flightchops. I have to say that just because one isn't a teacher/instructor doesn't mean others can't find it educational. As such, when I watch your videos, I learn something, not by virtue of 'being taught' but by virtue of someone being open and honest about their own learning and experiences. I had a case of "press on itis" when hours building in a Cessna 152. I was on a cross country, desperate to get home with a worse than forecast headwind. I was keen not to divert because it was a club aircraft, but ended up landing with the fuel gauges on their stops. Every sense was telling me to divert for fuel, yet I didn't. Scared myself witless, and the flying club never told me how little fuel was left, but by my fuel calculations after the event, I would be surprised if there was more than 5 litres usable fuel left. Please don't underestimate your contribution to the community. Happy flying, Rich
Haven't got my licence yet but I've done some 12 knot crosswind landings and it is quite satisfying when you get the left, right, nose squeaks. Nice flying.
As a tail wheel pilot (I owned and flew) a Cessna 140) I salute you. I can really understand your feelings during those X wind landings cause man, I been there. Nice job and thanks for sharing.
Great job coaching yourself through that adversity. Gusting wind cross landing in a tail wheel is extremely challenging, congratulations on your pilot development, keep it going...accomplishments fuel confidence, confidence fuels skill building, skill building fuels accomplishments.
Tremendous video! Only having around 25 TDragger hours myself, I totally get what you were through! Kudos for releasing this! I mostly did grass strips with TDs up to today....appears to be a bit easier than concrete due to the additional rolling drag of the grass and less need to hit the breaks! Take care and happy landings!
Awesome video. I learned to fly in an aeronca 7ac champ. Soloed in 7 hours at age 16. Haven't flown in years for health reasons but the cockpit view caused a flood of emotions....thank you!
This one had my heart racing a bit. Can't wait for MS Flight sim 2020 to come out so I can get a little experience and hopefully get into an actual aircraft in the next few years. I was able to fly a Cessna 172 for about 30 minutes on a test flight after maintenance with a pilot at a small airport I worked at for a few summers. Ever since I've been dying to get back into one. Best 2 hours of my life up in that thing. All I ever got to do was fuel them and watch them land/take off haha. Really fun HS job though. Besides weed eating around runway lights 😕
Great videos, I learn a lot from them. Landing a Cub in a strong crosswind is very satisfying, feeling that into wind wheel touching and then the other and staying on the centerline. Learning how to do that consistently is very humbling and I'm still on that journey.
I used to fly with my uncle in a Piper Super Cruiser when I was a kid. He always let me fly when we were flying a tricycle gear plane, but he never let me touch the controls when we flew the Super Cruiser. I remember almost putting my head through the roof of the plane when landing an an approaching Tstorm. My uncle always remained calm and I never appreciated the skill he had flying that plane until later in life.
Great video. Kind of glad to see that I am not the only pilot that talks to himself! Good to get your mind around what you should be doing in preparation for the landing. Keep them coming.
Henry Dupuis Thanks, and yes, I totally talk to myself - I try to be the voice of my instructor reminding me what to do and what I'm doing wrong. (I filter it a little with passengers on board though :)
The Cub is my favorite aircraft. I had a scary moment some years ago when I checked out a pilot in an Army Cub. During a landing did he (and I) relax one second too long, and we departed the runway onto an inactive runway that served as taxiway and apron. No ground loop, thankfully, so we taxied back and made a new circuit.
OK, I had to watch this again. Did something similar to your buddy Meron in my friends Champ today. It was my first time controlling a tail wheel. Doing great on my Taxi.. even zig zaging for better vision.. My big feet(13) couldn't jab the heel brake when it swung a bit more than I wanted. No damage.. my friend and I both got on the brakes but the tail went off the taxi way.... He is a CFI and was like "It's all good.. What happened? " I'm thinking I have 9.2 hours in a 172 as a student and my bigg ass feet got caught on the seat frame. I did fly the plane for about 1.5 out of 2 hrs. It takes a lot of concentration to fly the Champ. I have lots of respect for that plane. It was mid day 88 degrees, LOTS of thermals and bumpy as hell. Still a great flight. Even my friend was saying it was a difficult day to fly the Champ. I love aviation. Such a fantastic learning experience. Your videos are great!
My way of handling crosswinds in a tailwheel airplane is to establish a slip into the wind on final and holding it all the way to the ground with the axis of the ship lined up with the runway and the upwind wheel and tailwheel touching at the same time. The bank angle can be reduced with the wind gradient to prevent any drift. A steerable tailwheel is more positive than the rudder.
Nice video, I have no tail wheel experience, but feel I had learned a lot from your video. In fact, you can get a real feel of what is happening by watching the slip indicator while also keeping a eye on the rudder inputs during the scare vs the following landing. It really gave me a good feel as to what was going on. even without feeling the g load.
Just wanted to add a little tip really quick. Anytime you are on the ground ALWAYS keep aileron into the wind. This is especially necessary in light tail wheel airplanes. I have seen and experienced a little gust with neutral aileron that has wanted to pick up the wing. It has torn up planes and scared some people.
Nice video. I couldn't help moving my feet under my desk watching it. One note on the ailerons: It's not just about keeping the upwind wing down, though that is important. It also helps with keeping you straight; the adverse yaw that is created when you stick that big paddle down on the downwind wing helps counter the weathervaning tendency. I've especially found it true on small taildraggers like super cubs, T-crafts, etc.
I enjoyed this video... it doesn't make you look like a poor pilot, instead to me, it illustrated the fact that you / me / whoever are not impervious to mistakes and that we always have to be vigilant and fly the plane until shutdown. Thanks for sharing! :)
After watching this video, I learned about what happened to me when I first landed a taildragger. Landing a Cessna 140 with an instructor. My last landing for some reason started turning me to the right and off the runway. Luckily with quick reaction (a couple rough corrections, and input from the instructor I'm sure) we recovered. The explanation in this video cleared up so much from what I had experienced almost 2 years ago. Thanks and keep them coming! I think this is the only channel I actually keep up with, haha.
Awesome flying, my friend! I admire your courage and your "get back on the horse" attitude. My flight instructor always tells me, "...never end on a bad landing. Always do one more, and do it right this time." All tongue in cheek, obviously, but he's right for a lot of reasons. I learn a lot from your episodes. Thanks for sharing!
Jonny K Thanks Jonny - I'm happy to share and glad your instructor shares my feelings about that... never end on a bad note (unless you're shaken really badly, and then I guess you need to accept defeat, but I tent to try to shake it off and get back at it right away.)
Chops! I felt like I was flying it with you. And scared too! These little things will try to get away from you in a flash. Hoping to see a list of "Do's and Don'ts" for Tailwheel instruction. When you can. You are THE MAN
I am consuming your videos multiple times. I am transitioning from flying Gyrocopters to a J3 Cub. I thought I was Mr. Cool on grass then we changed to asphalt. Hello humble pie. I enjoy your very honest self-assessments.
Love your video's Mr Chops. Its nice to know others have the same issues and to see how you deal with them and learn from them. I wish i recorded my flights......
Andy Blake Thanks Andy, and yes, recording the flights for self analysis has been huge for helping e improve, and I'm happy to share the edited versions.
Awesome video! I am a 150hr ppl just looking at doing my tailwheel rating. Learnt a lot from this series, number thing being it looks hard work!!! keep it up.
Nice job! Posting all the bumps in the learning curve is VERY informative. Your running self-criticism and fault admissions are so important to the learning process....for you and for the viewer.
The only pilot on RUclips that will video himself making mistakes. Then plays them back in slow motion. Im impressed, you are probably a very good instuctor by now! Good Job thats awesome!
I'm not in a rush to become an instructor - but since making this video my tail wheel journey has come a pretty long way! Check out the play list covering my T6 sign off :)
Thanks for sharing! Im training for my sport licence in a Bushcat. It is a nose wheel, but I believe they have plans to bring in a taildragger which I would love to get my stripes in. Your perseverance to stick through the landings, and get back on the horse even after scary experiences is an inspiration to me.
Excellent video! I know nothing about flying - except that now I do a little bit more than before :) Being a real outsider, never want to fly a plane, I just kept on watching to the end. Really thoughtful production, including the warning of harsh language! Good, really good.
I've watched a ton of your videos but somehow just discovered this five-year-old gem. I have an inactive PPL that I'm considering reactivating and really liked listening to your thought process during these challenging landings.
Nice job and video. 15 kt wind is not easy in Cub. Not easy in my AT502 either! All your inflight commentary was good and spot on regarding control input. Never stop flying it. And the occasional go around in a tailwheel a/c will happen.
Thanks for sharing your experience! How we make it here on Antonov-2 aircraft (the biggest single engine biplane, has 12kts crosswind comp. restriction, but we've done higher) - Sideslipping all the way on final - Only 3-point landing (if heavy crosswind - 1 main and tailwheel attitude is acceptable) Yoke (in your case stick) full aft after touching the ground. That small tailwheel acts like an anchor, it gives you stabilizing moment when it is pushed to the ground by elevator Upwind aileron gradually full up. And NEVER push the upwind pedal, limit your upwind foot movement till neutral.
yeah, relaxing the aileron and "driving the car" away from the dirt pile did do something. The adverse yaw of those ailerons is not to be overlooked, it helps counter the weather -vaning tendency if properly held into the wind. Good video, thanks for sharing. Nice to see someone working to master a tailwheel.
Wow, that rang very close to home. On my first solo I was coming in hot and bounced a couple times putting the 172 down. Scared the crap out of me. I had to do three more landings that day that all went ok, but everytime I think about going up solo, I remember that damn bounce. I am fine with instructors, but I have scared myself out of solo time. I am hoping this helps me with my problem. . .
Nothing like flying low and slow! The Super Cub is an awesome airplane and a ton of fun to fly. This classic is one every pilot should experience. Your video is the next best thing for those who have not yet had the fortune to fly one. Thanks for the great videos and keep up the good work. #BoseA20
Another great video, Steve. I have loved every minute of the tailwheel time that I've been able to accumulate in a Super Luscombe, but have yet to finish the endorsement. You're inspiring me to get off my ass and finish.
Jason Burton Awesome! But make sure you talk to your instructor about any and all questions this video raises before emulating - this is specific to my (limited) training in the Super Cub, and as you can see I'm still learning :)
Of course. I, as all pilots should, adhere closely to my personal minimums, expanding them a little at a time through practice and experience. We're all still learning. Keep up the good work!
Great video and editing. I always look forward to your flights and that you share all even some slip ups. Just remember no matter how bad your landing may be, If you walk away it's a good landing and a good day.
Good stuff man, keep it up. I'll be getting in a tailwheel soon, it's cool to see you progress and I can learn from others mistakes and apply it to my flying. It's nice to see someone not afraid of posting videos where mistakes were made. THAT is where you learn. Cool videos
I just wanted to say, as I begin flying lessons again (last time I did them was at 8 years old) I really like the way you talk through your approaches and everything you do, I may not be flying tail wheel but I really enjoy your vids.
Hey Chops, I love how you talk to yourself, giving yourself crap and pep talks. Like, "get on the centre line buddy". I do the same thing, so glad I'm not the only one. :)
Good informative and humble practice secession and brave, great job. . I fly a Ces. 170B and have also scared the crap out of myself. I use the method of establishing my slip before the threshold and just flying that upwind wheel all the way to the ground. I know there are two schools of thought on holding the crab longer vs establishing an early slip method, I've tried both, and this is just what I prefer.
I was scared too! To hear the fear in your voice was scary I have to say, I (almost) feel like I am learning right along with you. I am watching this video on Jan. 31, 2016. I know you are much better at these landings now, than you were in this video. I love watching you learning to fly. Thanks for sharing!
Yep, everyone who's flown tailwheel very much has scared themselves at least once. My scariest crosswind was about 18G23KT at ~80º off runway heading. I kept control, but I came within about 15 feet of the edge of a 100 foot wide runway.
that look like great fun! good to see pilots challenging themselves in tough conditions... nice save on the groundloop, i was passenger as my wife flew a DHC-1 Chipmunk, when she groundlooped it, fortunately there was no damage, but she learnt a lot be looping it.. never done it since. groundloop that is.
"Wiggle the toesies" is in an old book my dad gave me back in the day. When you're on long final, wiggle your toes and wiggle your rudder. After my final set of GUMP's on final, I add in the wiggle to loosen up my feet.
Great tail wheel vids Steve! I would have no worries riding with you in FFKO anytime. I had forgotten about that day following you on taxi and crossing paths 'round about 3:50...now I know what was going on!
ftph590 Awesome! And yeah, it is not a good idea to let him taxi - I'm lucky that didn't go badly - I almost didn't share it, but the lesson was a good one so I decided to put it put there... Also: when I looked at you go by when examining the footage more closely while editing, I was wondering if TPH is a single seater? If not, I'd love to fly with you some day - it looks like a fun little plane.
***** They are all great lessons. It's dual seat (as long as you don't mind rubbing shoulders with pax) and dual controls. All the same "weight behind the mains" and gyroscopic precession principles apply but compared to the Super Cub it is a pussycat to T/O and land. You will have no trouble with it. Some will even say the Sonex doesn't qualify as a real taildragger...but I pay no attention to them.
On hour 7 on tailwheel training and still sweat and cuss. It is really like learning to fly all over again. Your videos are really inspirational and give me some hope that some day, I may actually be able to really fly.....
I noticed when I started teaching people in my Taylorcraft people gravitate to wheel landings, probably because of the better visibility, but my mentor who flew Corsair's in WW2 always said, a good full stall 3 point is worth a dozen wheel landings. If a wind gust hits you with your tail up, you will turn into the wind.
This is the best video you've made so far! The build up was great. Having gone off a runway once myself due to a tire blow out, I know how scary that feeling of losing control is. I think "You are not going to beat me today Wind Gods!" would make a good T-Shirt. Haha. Can't wait to see you put your jedi skill into a Warbird!
Joshua Reed Thanks! And yeah, I was somewhere between having fun and convincing myself I could handle it that day... As a total tail wheel newbie, it may have been a little cocky to challenge the "wind gods" like that :P
I don't think you need to wait till the tail comes down on its own: By that time, you don't have authority. Rather, you lower the tail smoothly below a speed that the aircraft will fly. This method gives you full authority during the lowering of the tail. If you wait till the tail comes down on its own, you already know you don't have authority and now you have to manage P-Factor, precession, crosswind while lowering the tail at a time when you are vulnerable. Just my 2 cents!
Great video and awesome flying! I had a similar experience to "the scare". Had the wind pick a wing up on roll out and though I really wanted to blame the wind... no one to blame but myself haha...took out the crosswind correction. Good lesson for me though and have gotten much better at being aware of my inputs...all the way to the parking spot. Thanks again! The video was great for me to see and review. Haven't been up in a few weeks...weather hasn't been great but will be back up soon. (Was talking about your videos (and getting them hooked) to two close friends of mine who fly their plane in and out of Toronto on a regular basis to see family. I'm going to have to talk them into taking me along so I can see that beautiful skyline!)
Really great video! I stumbled on anothervideo about ground loop that was really vague. This was absolutely fantastic; educational AND entertaining. Nice job man! I really appreciate your stick-to-it attitude toward it. It's inspiring.
Wow that was exciting! I was pushing those rudder pedals along with you. I'd like to get my tail wheel endorsement soon. It's definitely on my to-do list.
Instructing in Cubs many years ago on grass I had a student that used to do pretty good on the rudders until we got to about 20-30 on landing and then forgot about his feet. We’d veer one way or the other and once it got 15 def off, you couldn’t bring it back without dropping the outside wing, so with the speed just about gone I told him to keep the rudder neutral and the stick back. We worked on that but I sat thru a number of slow speed ground loops, without damaging anything. He finally understood the mantra of fly it till it’s tied down and was able to solo with good safe landings. That was in the days before intercoms so communication was much more difficult.
Phew, you got me sweating a bit here. I'm midday through my sailplane/glider training and that rudder control is the one I have trouble with. I know all about those trembling legs!
Great video, thanks for sharing. I would certainly like to take some tailwheel training one day. Its getting harder to find schools with a tailwheel aircraft, and rated instructor ( Calgary , Alberta). I would only add one small constructive criticism. I believe it would have been safer to answer to radio call once you were down safely, and off the active. The guy asking for a report could wait, and its good to keep things quiet on final so you can concentrate. Cheers, and thanks again for sharing. Looks like you are having a blast learning tailwheel flying!
I love the haziness. I'll post a video just for you of how my solo X/C turned into 5 mi. Vis. in haze and winds 315 @ 32 G 33 in a C152!. Finally got the GoPro's! The best learning experiences come from our mistakes!
So brave to put this content out man. You're really doing the community a service. Thanks again!
Thanks!
Best POV video I've ever seen in my over 50 years of flying...technically and honestly informative with great camera and edit work!! Also loved your naration and the fact you had to land on a good note. GREAT JOB MAN!!!
Don
Having several hundreds of Cub hours I made some rules for myself that seem to have worked. 1. You start flying that thing the minute engine starts and stop when the prop stops. 2. Learn to ride a bike before getting into tail draggers, you need the leg muscles and co-ordination. 3. Where ever and when ever possible take the grass. Much more forgiving than the hardtop. I love watching your videos as they bring back a lot of very happy memories. Well done mate.
What makes your videos so good is that you show your mistakes, analyze them and most importantly, you remain humble.
Man being a fellow youtuber with a channel approaching 120,000 subs I wanted to take a second to applaud your hard work work that goes into your editing. the multi angles, the voice overs, the screen shots, man its a ton of work! Much appreciated!
+THELIFEOFPRICE Thanks man! And I just checked out your channel - crazy stuff! Wanna do a video about installing 18" subs into a biplane? :P
Funny finding a basshead comment on a flying video lol
As a glider tow pilot I've got lots and lots of taildragger time. Consider that towing involves typically 5 or even as many as 10 takeoffs (max performance since you are towing another aircraft) and landings per hour of logged time (also max performance landings since you need to deal with the towrope and also get back to tow another sailplane as quickly as possible.) I've got towing time in 150 and 180 hp Super Cubs, 180 hp Bellanca Scouts, Cessna L-19, Piper Pawnees 180 and 235 hp, Cessna AgWagon 300 hp, and a few other types. The Super Cub is my _least favorite_ of all the taildraggers I've flown. Poor visibility, narrow landing gear, frigging Heel Brakes.... I guess it made me a better pilot... but really, I credit my high density altitude L-19 time for that. The Scouts were the nicest and most comfortable, the Pawnee 235 is a decent towplane, but for modern ballasted openclass sailplanes the AgWagon ruled supreme. And the Super Cubs, while carrying a lot of charm and prestige, basically sucked. Heel Brakes! Try standing on those silly little heel brake pedals while hauling full back stick and considerable aileron for taxiing after a full stall short-softfield landing in a 20 knot crosswind while trailing a 200 foot towrope .... twenty or thirty times in a day as fast as you can make it around the patch. Whoooopeeeee!
Flight Chops is by far the best flight series on youtube.. Another A+ video and one to file away for the tail dragger days ahead.. No other pilot on YT is willing and able to show us the good with the bad and how important it is to always be trainng and learning. Your the best Chops !
forexpro35 Thanks so much for this awesome comment! I try really hard to share real experiences. As long as people understand that I am just a private pilot sharing my journey as I try to improve, I'm cool with it. Like in this case, I'm focusing on flying the crab on final in the Super Cub in a cross wind, but there are many planes that you're better to fly the slip all the way in... So be sure to confirm with your instructor which is best.
Love to see the "loosen up the shoulders and feet" on the pre-landing checklist (from the earlier episode). These videos are so valuable - thanks for being brave enough to share
After 500+ hrs of tailwheel time in Skywagons, Citabrias, RV's, etc....I'm convinced that they make you a more precise pilot, because the aircraft DEMANDS it. The ground loop demon is always out there. Keep him at bay with nimble feet and never stop flying it! Nicely done video.
Recently TW endorsed in a J5A, and had my first day (with the owner/CFI in back) working tough winds (75 degrees, 6-10 +5 gusts) on Sunday. Tough to accept that some of the go arounds are mandated by conditions, not your piloting skill. It was a great day, and learned a ton. Appreciate all the effort you put into your channel, even 7 years ago. Thanks.
And that's how the safe pilots are made..I also prefer landing in challenging conditions :)
Great video :)
+Riad Salkanović Thanks!
WOW!!! that was great - I am a retired ATP SW3 Metroliner, Turbo Commander-690 and Citation-500 but I started in the J3 Cub and Airknocker Tri-champ. This takes me back. GREAT JOB - Excellent Vid.
I love seeing your scrony, dancing legs! You're working that rudder, bro!
Angle of Attack Haha - thanks Chris!
Thought your video was great! After I had my private pilot's license I would not go up flying in a crosswind. One day I thought to myself how stupid it was that I was a licensed pilot but was stopping myself flying if the wind was across the runway so I did the same thing you did, scared myself a little but was the best thing I could have ever done. Crosswinds don't bother me one bit now. Found out the same secret you did, on windy days you can never stop flying the airplane. Thanks again!!!
The lesson you taught in this video really gave me a different look on flying. It's okay to be freaked out at times when you push your limits and try to sharpen your skills, but too often I'll get (what I call) "The Shaky's". Ending on a good note can give you the immediate opportunity to correct the mistakes you've made on the previous flight. I sincerely believe that not correcting those mistakes immediately can cause a pilot to have a sense of doubt for the next time they're thrown into a similar situation, and sometimes confidence can be the difference between freezing up in an uncertain environment and sticking to your training/gut. I know I'm a little late on watching this one, but the lesson is timeless. Thanks for really highlighting the human element in this video, it's good to see experienced pilot's get back on the saddle after a not-so-perfect landing. As a student pilot, I find channeling your confidence (appropriately) to be an essential skill.
Ps. I'm currently in the process of getting my PPL, and most my "flying" is done on FTDs at my work, but man does that #BoseA20 headset look good...
As always, another great video. As a young private pilot enamored with the art of tailwheel flying, this series is gold. I find myself relating my own experiences to the things you talk about, which makes them even better. The video about finding zen on the grass strip perfectly captured what tailwheel flying is when everything clicks. Thanks for the great videos; they're almost like being in the air.
ARedCatJoe Thanks for this awesome comment! I really appreciate it!
Great job Steve. I had a similar scare last week with bad aileron correction in a Sundowner. Came in with too much energy had a slight bounce for my landing and without cross wind correction got a gust under the wing and went airborne with a second bounce and it was getting worse. Applied full power on the second bounce up and flew up and away from a certain porpoising situation. My hands and legs were shaking all the way back to final for my next attempt. You are so spot on, the only way to learn is to be scared. But not so scared that you break something.
Greg Foulks Yeah, it's a fine line Greg - Glad you got through your recent scare. I recently heard an awesome quote regarding this sort of thing: "It is fun until the moment that it isn't... hopefully you can survive that moment." Kinda dark, but very applicable.
Just learned to fly a taildragger, and YES you do not stop flying the plane until it is stipped. So far have not scared myself.....but still have many years of flying to do. GREAT video, thanks for posting !!!!!
+wn6904k Awesome! Glad you found it helpful!
You are doing a great service to the aviation community with your candid videos and commentary. I have well over a thousand hours of teaching TW, mostly in Citabrias. If I might offer a tip that has worked for me: Don't re-trim doing pattern work. If you set your trim for best rate of climb on TO, it should be in perfect trim for the Downwind when you reduce power. When you chop the power for your power off 180 landing, you will need to keep a little bit of back pressure on the stick to keep your wheelie speed. It makes the wheel landing much easier because you are just pulling back to control your rate of decent. When you grease it, just relax the back pressure and the trim will help keep the tail in the air without you having to time a stick forward. It also makes it easier to just add a bit of throttle if you have levelled out a bit high. Hope this helps and, if you have a better method, please share it 🙂
I talk to myself too when I'm nervous. Good thing you have cameras so you can make it into video commentary :)
I always did that too. It always made me more aware and alert.
Man I look forward to every other Friday these days.
I know I probably underestimate the work required to get a video finished and put it out there but whatever you're doing keep doing it!
We all appreciate the time you put in.
For me I think I like the way you almost bare your soul in a lot of your commentaries and captions, it's a brave thing to do in the name of improvement (and our entertainment!) but again, keep doing it!
Thanks again, Joe
joehodgy Thanks Joe! Yeah, this was a tough one to share. There are some screw ups (like letting Mehran taxi - that was a dumb idea) and I was probably pushing myself a little too hard in those conditions... But yeah, as long as people understand the context of these videos, hopefully there are some valuable take aways for them.
Nine landings in high xwind - I was exhausted watching you. The protracted stress is draining.
Great job in your 8th-landing recovery.
Great stuff, thanks for sharing the bad along with the good
***** Thanks - that's my mission here :)
While logging my first hour and a half of time, my instructor and I were doing some stall work. I had a pretty good feel for it until we did one with a bit of a tail wind. Bird stalls, tail comes up, and I say "HOLY DOGSHIT" while pouncing on the throttle and yanking back on the yoke. Instructor gave me an "at least you didn't panic!" But for my first official time logged, it was quite The experience!
You're right on point with the notion of 'if you're not scared a bit, you're not learning.'
Jason Taylor Thanks Jason, glad you could relate to this one.
Chops.... Wanting to get my pilots license and well, figured youTube would give me some insight into what I am likely to experience.... BY FAR your videos have been the most instructive and realistic available. Keep up the great work!
Outstanding video, as usual! I just got my first taste of tailwheel flying this past weekend in a Taylorcraft BC-12. It's essentially a Cub with side by side seating and a different wing, but the same 65hp to lift 380lbs of pilot/instructor! I read an editorial in Plane & Pilot a while back detailing the difference between Pilot's and Aviators. I've been giving that a lot of thought lately, and one thing that I think sets the two apart is that a Pilot meets the "standard", passes the test, and thinks training is over. An Aviator is perpetually looking for ways to improve, to better understand the airplane and WHY we do what we do, no matter how many hours they have in their logbook. Another point is that a Pilot, for fear of competition, will never admit to mistakes they make. An aviator, with a deeper concern for the aviation community as a whole, will readily share their mistakes with others, as a teaching tool to improve the whole of our art. Your videos set a very good example of how an Aviator should act, if you ask me. Anyway, Keep 'em flyin!
+lonestarreview thanks so much for this awesome comment! It is rewarding to hear stuff like this! And that is a great way to boil down the fundamental differences between pilots and aviators!
I love the way your vlogs transcends it's genre. Learning to fly is like learning to do anything. Fall down, and stand up stronger.
Probably the most educational videos on RUclips. Thanks so much for this excellent contribution to the flying world.
Huge thanks.
Rich
flightsim481 Thanks so much! But I am always cautious about calling any of my stuff "training or educational videos" because I am not qualified... As long as viewers are aware of the context of my being a private pilot sharing "real learning experiences" I'm happy to share :).
***** Hi Flightchops.
I have to say that just because one isn't a teacher/instructor doesn't mean others can't find it educational. As such, when I watch your videos, I learn something, not by virtue of 'being taught' but by virtue of someone being open and honest about their own learning and experiences.
I had a case of "press on itis" when hours building in a Cessna 152. I was on a cross country, desperate to get home with a worse than forecast headwind. I was keen not to divert because it was a club aircraft, but ended up landing with the fuel gauges on their stops. Every sense was telling me to divert for fuel, yet I didn't. Scared myself witless, and the flying club never told me how little fuel was left, but by my fuel calculations after the event, I would be surprised if there was more than 5 litres usable fuel left.
Please don't underestimate your contribution to the community.
Happy flying,
Rich
flightsim481 Thanks again for the awesome comments - I really appreciate the support. And thanks for sharing your "press-on-itis" story.
Haven't got my licence yet but I've done some 12 knot crosswind landings and it is quite satisfying when you get the left, right, nose squeaks. Nice flying.
As a tail wheel pilot (I owned and flew) a Cessna 140) I salute you. I can really understand your feelings during those X wind landings cause man, I been there. Nice job and thanks for sharing.
Pat Glass Thanks Pat.
Great job coaching yourself through that adversity. Gusting wind cross landing in a tail wheel is extremely challenging, congratulations on your pilot development, keep it going...accomplishments fuel confidence, confidence fuels skill building, skill building fuels accomplishments.
Tremendous video! Only having around 25 TDragger hours myself, I totally get what you were through! Kudos for releasing this! I mostly did grass strips with TDs up to today....appears to be a bit easier than concrete due to the additional rolling drag of the grass and less need to hit the breaks! Take care and happy landings!
Awesome video. I learned to fly in an aeronca 7ac champ. Soloed in 7 hours at age 16. Haven't flown in years for health reasons but the cockpit view caused a flood of emotions....thank you!
That self coaching what you do is is impressive. I wouldnt have gone up immediately again after a scare like that. Good job on that.
silver20002000 Thanks!
This one had my heart racing a bit. Can't wait for MS Flight sim 2020 to come out so I can get a little experience and hopefully get into an actual aircraft in the next few years. I was able to fly a Cessna 172 for about 30 minutes on a test flight after maintenance with a pilot at a small airport I worked at for a few summers. Ever since I've been dying to get back into one. Best 2 hours of my life up in that thing. All I ever got to do was fuel them and watch them land/take off haha. Really fun HS job though. Besides weed eating around runway lights 😕
Great videos, I learn a lot from them. Landing a Cub in a strong crosswind is very satisfying, feeling that into wind wheel touching and then the other and staying on the centerline. Learning how to do that consistently is very humbling and I'm still on that journey.
I used to fly with my uncle in a Piper Super Cruiser when I was a kid. He always let me fly when we were flying a tricycle gear plane, but he never let me touch the controls when we flew the Super Cruiser. I remember almost putting my head through the roof of the plane when landing an an approaching Tstorm. My uncle always remained calm and I never appreciated the skill he had flying that plane until later in life.
Great video. Kind of glad to see that I am not the only pilot that talks to himself! Good to get your mind around what you should be doing in preparation for the landing. Keep them coming.
Henry Dupuis Thanks, and yes, I totally talk to myself - I try to be the voice of my instructor reminding me what to do and what I'm doing wrong. (I filter it a little with passengers on board though :)
***** I appreciate the self-talk...makes me feel like I am in the plane with you and we are having a conversation :)
The Cub is my favorite aircraft. I had a scary moment some years ago when I checked out a pilot in an Army Cub. During a landing did he (and I) relax one second too long, and we departed the runway onto an inactive runway that served as taxiway and apron. No ground loop, thankfully, so we taxied back and made a new circuit.
OK, I had to watch this again. Did something similar to your buddy Meron in my friends Champ today. It was my first time controlling a tail wheel. Doing great on my Taxi.. even zig zaging for better vision.. My big feet(13) couldn't jab the heel brake when it swung a bit more than I wanted. No damage.. my friend and I both got on the brakes but the tail went off the taxi way.... He is a CFI and was like "It's all good.. What happened? "
I'm thinking I have 9.2 hours in a 172 as a student and my bigg ass feet got caught on the seat frame. I did fly the plane for about 1.5 out of 2 hrs. It takes a lot of concentration to fly the Champ. I have lots of respect for that plane. It was mid day 88 degrees, LOTS of thermals and bumpy as hell. Still a great flight. Even my friend was saying it was a difficult day to fly the Champ. I love aviation. Such a fantastic learning experience.
Your videos are great!
bremms1 Thanks! Glad you could relate to this one.
My way of handling crosswinds in a tailwheel airplane is to establish a slip into the wind on final and holding it all the way to the ground with the axis of the ship lined up with the runway and the upwind wheel and tailwheel touching at the same time. The bank angle can be reduced with the wind gradient to prevent any drift. A steerable tailwheel is more positive than the rudder.
Nice video, I have no tail wheel experience, but feel I had learned a lot from your video. In fact, you can get a real feel of what is happening by watching the slip indicator while also keeping a eye on the rudder inputs during the scare vs the following landing. It really gave me a good feel as to what was going on. even without feeling the g load.
Just wanted to add a little tip really quick. Anytime you are on the ground ALWAYS keep aileron into the wind. This is especially necessary in light tail wheel airplanes. I have seen and experienced a little gust with neutral aileron that has wanted to pick up the wing. It has torn up planes and scared some people.
Nice video. I couldn't help moving my feet under my desk watching it.
One note on the ailerons: It's not just about keeping the upwind wing down, though that is important. It also helps with keeping you straight; the adverse yaw that is created when you stick that big paddle down on the downwind wing helps counter the weathervaning tendency. I've especially found it true on small taildraggers like super cubs, T-crafts, etc.
Larry Altree Thanks for that insight!
I enjoyed this video... it doesn't make you look like a poor pilot, instead to me, it illustrated the fact that you / me / whoever are not impervious to mistakes and that we always have to be vigilant and fly the plane until shutdown. Thanks for sharing! :)
Mike G Thanks Mike! I'm glad you got the full context of this video.
After watching this video, I learned about what happened to me when I first landed a taildragger. Landing a Cessna 140 with an instructor. My last landing for some reason started turning me to the right and off the runway. Luckily with quick reaction (a couple rough corrections, and input from the instructor I'm sure) we recovered. The explanation in this video cleared up so much from what I had experienced almost 2 years ago. Thanks and keep them coming! I think this is the only channel I actually keep up with, haha.
Austin Ford Very cool! thanks Austin!
Awesome job getting experience and correlating proper tech from your prior landings. I would say you are doing it right.
+Copainization Thanks!
Awesome flying, my friend! I admire your courage and your "get back on the horse" attitude. My flight instructor always tells me, "...never end on a bad landing. Always do one more, and do it right this time." All tongue in cheek, obviously, but he's right for a lot of reasons. I learn a lot from your episodes. Thanks for sharing!
Jonny K Thanks Jonny - I'm happy to share and glad your instructor shares my feelings about that... never end on a bad note (unless you're shaken really badly, and then I guess you need to accept defeat, but I tent to try to shake it off and get back at it right away.)
Chops! I felt like I was flying it with you. And scared too! These little things will try to get away from you in a flash. Hoping to see a list of "Do's and Don'ts" for Tailwheel instruction. When you can.
You are THE MAN
The most honest flying video I've seen. Colorful language for sure but everyone has thought it if not said it if they've done more than 3 landings.
+Question Mark - haha - thanks yeah... I had to share this one... I'm not proud :P
Great video. TW is no joke and TW training in a crosswind is for the brave and the bold, but entirely necessary to become an excellent pilot.
I am consuming your videos multiple times. I am transitioning from flying Gyrocopters to a J3 Cub. I thought I was Mr. Cool on grass then we changed to asphalt. Hello humble pie. I enjoy your very honest self-assessments.
+cardioflow Thanks for the friendly feedback - and very cool to hear you're watching more than once - good times! :)
Love your video's Mr Chops. Its nice to know others have the same issues and to see how you deal with them and learn from them. I wish i recorded my flights......
Andy Blake Thanks Andy, and yes, recording the flights for self analysis has been huge for helping e improve, and I'm happy to share the edited versions.
i like that.. "if you're not slightly scared, you're not learning".
Awesome video! I am a 150hr ppl just looking at doing my tailwheel rating. Learnt a lot from this series, number thing being it looks hard work!!! keep it up.
+Andrew Sheffield Awesome - glad to have been of some help!
Nice job! Posting all the bumps in the learning curve is VERY informative. Your running self-criticism and fault admissions are so important to the learning process....for you and for the viewer.
The only pilot on RUclips that will video himself making mistakes. Then plays them back in slow motion. Im impressed, you are probably a very good instuctor by now! Good Job thats awesome!
I'm not in a rush to become an instructor - but since making this video my tail wheel journey has come a pretty long way! Check out the play list covering my T6 sign off :)
@@FlightChops I watched it too! Great Job! What an awesome accomplishment in the tailwheel world. Congrats man!
Nice video. Shows the discipline required and that tail wheel flying is an art.
Thanks for sharing! Im training for my sport licence in a Bushcat. It is a nose wheel, but I believe they have plans to bring in a taildragger which I would love to get my stripes in. Your perseverance to stick through the landings, and get back on the horse even after scary experiences is an inspiration to me.
Thanks for posting man I'm looking to get my tail wheel endorsement and I'm learning ALOT from your videos and commentary....thank you!!!!
Thaddeus Halstead Right on! I'm happy the videos have helped you!
Excellent video! I know nothing about flying - except that now I do a little bit more than before :) Being a real outsider, never want to fly a plane, I just kept on watching to the end. Really thoughtful production, including the warning of harsh language! Good, really good.
+SomFunk I really appreciate this feedback! Thanks!
I've watched a ton of your videos but somehow just discovered this five-year-old gem. I have an inactive PPL that I'm considering reactivating and really liked listening to your thought process during these challenging landings.
Right on thanks! Keep in touch as you go through the process of reactivating your PPL!
Props to you for sharing it all, Steve. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that you have helped prevent any number of incidents through your videos.
Nice job and video. 15 kt wind is not easy in Cub. Not easy in my AT502 either! All your inflight commentary was good and spot on regarding control input. Never stop flying it. And the occasional go around in a tailwheel a/c will happen.
+sixwillwin friendly feedback appreciated :)
Thanks for sharing your experience!
How we make it here on Antonov-2 aircraft (the biggest single engine biplane, has 12kts crosswind comp. restriction, but we've done higher)
- Sideslipping all the way on final
- Only 3-point landing (if heavy crosswind - 1 main and tailwheel attitude is acceptable)
Yoke (in your case stick) full aft after touching the ground. That small tailwheel acts like an anchor, it gives you stabilizing moment when it is pushed to the ground by elevator
Upwind aileron gradually full up.
And NEVER push the upwind pedal, limit your upwind foot movement till neutral.
+Gumar Mustafin VERY interesting! Thanks for sharing your insights! now... how do I get a ride in that Antonov-2 ? :)
In instagram I'm subscribed to @airattack330, he has An-2. Maybe he can give you a ride, because Chelyabinsk is to far from you:)
Looked like you had a ton of fun there. Very impressive to see from the inside like that.
irsute8833 Glad you enjoyed riding along... It was some where between fun and scary :P
yeah, relaxing the aileron and "driving the car" away from the dirt pile did do something. The adverse yaw of those ailerons is not to be overlooked, it helps counter the weather -vaning tendency if properly held into the wind. Good video, thanks for sharing. Nice to see someone working to master a tailwheel.
Keep the videos coming - Thanks for sharing for what most people would not share - Great learning
Richard Stratman Happy to share, glad you enjoyed it!
I scared myself that very exact way on my first solo in a pacer. Scary but glass I snapped out of it as well. Nice work!
Wow, that rang very close to home. On my first solo I was coming in hot and bounced a couple times putting the 172 down. Scared the crap out of me. I had to do three more landings that day that all went ok, but everytime I think about going up solo, I remember that damn bounce. I am fine with instructors, but I have scared myself out of solo time. I am hoping this helps me with my problem. . .
anathemapth As long as you learn from scares and mistakes you're good!
Nothing like flying low and slow! The Super Cub is an awesome airplane and a ton of fun to fly. This classic is one every pilot should experience. Your video is the next best thing for those who have not yet had the fortune to fly one. Thanks for the great videos and keep up the good work. #BoseA20
Another great video, Steve. I have loved every minute of the tailwheel time that I've been able to accumulate in a Super Luscombe, but have yet to finish the endorsement. You're inspiring me to get off my ass and finish.
Jason Burton Awesome! But make sure you talk to your instructor about any and all questions this video raises before emulating - this is specific to my (limited) training in the Super Cub, and as you can see I'm still learning :)
Of course. I, as all pilots should, adhere closely to my personal minimums, expanding them a little at a time through practice and experience. We're all still learning. Keep up the good work!
Great video and editing. I always look forward to your flights and that you share all even some slip ups. Just remember no matter how bad your landing may be, If you walk away it's a good landing and a good day.
Mr Fly Boy Thanks... But if I ground looped that girl, the insurance claim would not have made for a good day :P
Good point...that is true
Nice video! great to see the input control. I think many people do not realize how much input it takes in a tailwheel.
+William Schuller Thanks!, yeah lot's going on even on a good day... and this was a more challenging than average day :P
Good stuff man, keep it up. I'll be getting in a tailwheel soon, it's cool to see you progress and I can learn from others mistakes and apply it to my flying. It's nice to see someone not afraid of posting videos where mistakes were made. THAT is where you learn. Cool videos
I just wanted to say, as I begin flying lessons again (last time I did them was at 8 years old) I really like the way you talk through your approaches and everything you do, I may not be flying tail wheel but I really enjoy your vids.
Hey Chops, I love how you talk to yourself, giving yourself crap and pep talks. Like, "get on the centre line buddy". I do the same thing, so glad I'm not the only one. :)
***** Awesome thanks! I try to look at every flight as a training flight :)
Good informative and humble practice secession and brave, great job. . I fly a Ces. 170B and have also scared the crap out of myself. I use the method of establishing my slip before the threshold and just flying that upwind wheel all the way to the ground. I know there are two schools of thought on holding the crab longer vs establishing an early slip method, I've tried both, and this is just what I prefer.
I'm so glad that you show that we as pilots aren't perfect and can get ourselves into trouble.
I was scared too! To hear the fear in your voice was scary I have to say, I (almost) feel like I am learning right along with you. I am watching this video on Jan. 31, 2016. I know you are much better at these landings now, than you were in this video. I love watching you learning to fly. Thanks for sharing!
+Astrogirl1usa Glad you enjoyed this one! I am so glad I have the cameras there for this one; both for the benefit of review, and to share.
*****
I am happy you can share, too. : )
Yep, everyone who's flown tailwheel very much has scared themselves at least once. My scariest crosswind was about 18G23KT at ~80º off runway heading. I kept control, but I came within about 15 feet of the edge of a 100 foot wide runway.
flyingfiddler Thanks for sharing your story - sorry I seem to have missed this comment until now...
that look like great fun! good to see pilots challenging themselves in tough conditions... nice save on the groundloop, i was passenger as my wife flew a DHC-1 Chipmunk, when she groundlooped it, fortunately there was no damage, but she learnt a lot be looping it.. never done it since. groundloop that is.
Pamuva RAL Thanks for sharing your ground loop story. good to hear your wife got away with no damage and a lesson learned.
"Wiggle the toesies" is in an old book my dad gave me back in the day. When you're on long final, wiggle your toes and wiggle your rudder. After my final set of GUMP's on final, I add in the wiggle to loosen up my feet.
Will Allen Yup - Dennis trained me to add "loosen up" to teh down wind check.
Great tail wheel vids Steve! I would have no worries riding with you in FFKO anytime. I had forgotten about that day following you on taxi and crossing paths 'round about 3:50...now I know what was going on!
ftph590 Awesome! And yeah, it is not a good idea to let him taxi - I'm lucky that didn't go badly - I almost didn't share it, but the lesson was a good one so I decided to put it put there... Also: when I looked at you go by when examining the footage more closely while editing, I was wondering if TPH is a single seater? If not, I'd love to fly with you some day - it looks like a fun little plane.
***** They are all great lessons. It's dual seat (as long as you don't mind rubbing shoulders with pax) and dual controls. All the same "weight behind the mains" and gyroscopic precession principles apply but compared to the Super Cub it is a pussycat to T/O and land. You will have no trouble with it. Some will even say the Sonex doesn't qualify as a real taildragger...but I pay no attention to them.
On hour 7 on tailwheel training and still sweat and cuss. It is really like learning to fly all over again. Your videos are really inspirational and give me some hope that some day, I may actually be able to really fly.....
Your posts are great, fun to watch and informative. I'm also glad I'm not the only person having these conversations with myself on final :)
simrey33 Thanks!
I noticed when I started teaching people in my Taylorcraft people gravitate to wheel landings, probably because of the better visibility, but my mentor who flew Corsair's in WW2 always said, a good full stall 3 point is worth a dozen wheel landings. If a wind gust hits you with your tail up, you will turn into the wind.
That
last one was beauty ! Light taildraggers always keep you “alert”!
So do heavy ones :P
(and thanks:)
This is the best video you've made so far! The build up was great. Having gone off a runway once myself due to a tire blow out, I know how scary that feeling of losing control is. I think "You are not going to beat me today Wind Gods!" would make a good T-Shirt. Haha. Can't wait to see you put your jedi skill into a Warbird!
Joshua Reed Thanks! And yeah, I was somewhere between having fun and convincing myself I could handle it that day... As a total tail wheel newbie, it may have been a little cocky to challenge the "wind gods" like that :P
I don't think you need to wait till the tail comes down on its own: By that time, you don't have authority. Rather, you lower the tail smoothly below a speed that the aircraft will fly. This method gives you full authority during the lowering of the tail. If you wait till the tail comes down on its own, you already know you don't have authority and now you have to manage P-Factor, precession, crosswind while lowering the tail at a time when you are vulnerable. Just my 2 cents!
Great video and awesome flying! I had a similar experience to "the scare". Had the wind pick a wing up on roll out and though I really wanted to blame the wind... no one to blame but myself haha...took out the crosswind correction. Good lesson for me though and have gotten much better at being aware of my inputs...all the way to the parking spot. Thanks again! The video was great for me to see and review. Haven't been up in a few weeks...weather hasn't been great but will be back up soon. (Was talking about your videos (and getting them hooked) to two close friends of mine who fly their plane in and out of Toronto on a regular basis to see family. I'm going to have to talk them into taking me along so I can see that beautiful skyline!)
Matt M Thanks for sharing your story Matt
Your last landing made me say aloud, “DUUUUDE WOW!!!” Great example, thank you!
Really great video! I stumbled on anothervideo about ground loop that was really vague. This was absolutely fantastic; educational AND entertaining. Nice job man! I really appreciate your stick-to-it attitude toward it. It's inspiring.
+Dusty Peterson Thanks!
Wow that was exciting! I was pushing those rudder pedals along with you. I'd like to get my tail wheel endorsement soon. It's definitely on my to-do list.
steve9173 You won't regret it :)
Jeez, I had sweat on my hand just holding the mouse! Good flying, great video.
Instructing in Cubs many years ago on grass I had a student that used to do pretty good on the rudders until we got to about 20-30 on landing and then forgot about his feet. We’d veer one way or the other and once it got 15 def off, you couldn’t bring it back without dropping the outside wing, so with the speed just about gone I told him to keep the rudder neutral and the stick back. We worked on that but I sat thru a number of slow speed ground loops, without damaging anything. He finally understood the mantra of fly it till it’s tied down and was able to solo with good safe landings. That was in the days before intercoms so communication was much more difficult.
Phew, you got me sweating a bit here. I'm midday through my sailplane/glider training and that rudder control is the one I have trouble with.
I know all about those trembling legs!
Great video, thanks for sharing. I would certainly like to take some tailwheel training one day. Its getting harder to find schools with a tailwheel aircraft, and rated instructor ( Calgary , Alberta). I would only add one small constructive criticism. I believe it would have been safer to answer to radio call once you were down safely, and off the active. The guy asking for a report could wait, and its good to keep things quiet on final so you can concentrate. Cheers, and thanks again for sharing. Looks like you are having a blast learning tailwheel flying!
I love the haziness. I'll post a video just for you of how my solo X/C turned into 5 mi. Vis. in haze and winds 315 @ 32 G 33 in a C152!. Finally got the GoPro's! The best learning experiences come from our mistakes!
Very cool. Your teaching by default. Fun to be with you!
+Jeff Moore Glad you enjoyed it! And yeah, there are things to learn from seeing my mistakes :P