tailwheel steering 101

[olderndirt]

Heading out for the Aleutians on the DC3 and am immediately reminded I don't have the brakes thing straight in my mind.

[Fozzer]

Application of full Rudder, and short bursts of full Throttle on the opposite side...(for a Twin)...;!

A "Differential Braking" entry in the Aircraft.cfg file helps, as well... ...!

Paul...G-BPLF...FS 2004... 8-)...!

P.S. ...if the Aircraft has a "Lockable" Tail wheel, don't forget to Unlock it first...... ...!

[dave3cu]

In FS2004, applying brakes (your 'little trigger') while applying rudder automatically applies differential brake,and you see the 'differential brake' messege. You can also manually apply left or right brake using the default key assignments  F11 and F12, respectively.

Dave

[beaky]

First thing to make sure of with the DC-3 is that the tailwheel is not locked. It should be locked for takeoff, after you take position, and it should be locked for landing, then unlocked before you exit the runway.

If it is locked (which is the default position) while you're trying to taxi, you will have a heck of a time steering with brakes, throttle, or anything else.

The lock is a knob under the throttle quadrant- up is off, down is on.

But if the tailwheel is unlocked and you're still having trouble, it may just be your timing... it's tough with a twist-stick. Forget using differential throttle unless you have dual throttle controls- just twist for full rudder, hold that, and stab at the brake as you advance both throttles a bit (with props levers all the way forward), and you'll be able to steer well enough.

Another tip: with the DC-3, you cannot hope to pivot-turn from a dead stop with either brake engaged. Even with differential thrust. If you do get it going that way, you'll be at full power and probably have to fight to "undo" the turn.
You have to make sure you have room to get it rolling a few feet first, then "twist and stab", in small increments, and it will swing around for you.

[Nav]

[quote]Heading out for the Aleutians on the DC3/quote]

All I can say is that that's pretty 'courageous,' olderndirt.

The default DC3 is a bit difficult to fly - Alaskan airfields are pretty under-equipped - and the weather in that 'scenario' (Reeve Aleutian Airlines) varies between 'challenging' and 'barely possible.'

A few bits of advice:-

1. I'd strongly advise that you practise some landings in the DC3 in normal weather, on long runways, before you try the 'real' scenario. Reason being that the default Dak (unlike the real thing) takes ages to slow after touchdown, even with the brakes full on. You'll find that at places like Dutch Harbor and Atka, you have to come in over high ground, and land on strips as little as 3,500 feet long. It's essential that you get your approach speed down to no more than 90 knots, touch down 'on the numbers,' retract the flaps as soon as you're down (there's no spoiler), and brake like mad!

2. Keep a close eye on the 'Outside Air Temperature,' especially on Day Two. The pre-set weather often drops below zero even on takeoff. Make sure that you close the cowl flaps as early as possible, and also don't forget the Pitot Heat. You'll find that, a few times, you'll need Carb Heat as well.

[olderndirt]

Actually, I wasn't going all the way to the chain.

[Hagar]

[quote]

[olderndirt]

Hagar, you got me.

[Nav]

Cheers, olderndirt. Suggest that instead of using the 'scenario' you got to 'Create a Flight' and set yourself up at Merrill, preferably in summer, in daylight, and in 'fair weather.' At bottom left of the 'Create A Flight' screen you can choose the location - either 'active runway' or 'parked.'

Bottom left of the panel on the DC3 are a series of small buttons for the GPS, navaids, etc. clicking on the one marked with a propeller will bring up the pedestal, giving you a view of the trim wheel, throttles, pitch lever, carb heat etc. ......AND the tailwheel lock......

Really not much alternative to a bit of reading - saves a lot of time. My advice is, every time you use a new type, look it uo in the Learning Centre Index (in this case 'D' for 'Douglas DC3') and read the Flight Notes. Usually only a page or so, and it gives you info. on throttle settings, prop pitch settings, flap settings, speeds etc. for all phases of flight.

[Hagar]

[quote]Hagar, you got me.

[Gringo6]

You can also cheat like crazy - go into the aircraft.cfg file and convert to a steerable tail wheel.

Billa (aka Gringo6)