Tailwheel checkout: part 6-SOLO!!

[beaky]

Had a serious workout Sunday: first, about 30 t&gs with Bob, most of them very good landings (he said so, not me ). The tailwheel spring chains had been choked up a bit so they were tighter; this seemed to help.
Not wanting to be distracted, I left my camera in the car. I regretted that, because the Red Bull camp was departing- first the MiG-17, then the B-25 Executive Sweet (visiting from the AAF in Thousand Oaks) started up as we taxiied past it, and wound up rumbling right behind me as I did the run-up.
 While we were bouncing around the pattern, the Red Bull Bo-105 helicopter was entering and exiting the pattern; practicing, I assume.
Eventually, my stomach started growling with hunger and we were down to less than 1 hour of fuel, so I decided to take it back to the ramp.
A gorgeous Ag-Cat had just finished refueling when we arrived at the pump. Its pilot offered to help us roll the Champ back to her tiedowns. We didn't need help, but he seemed to want to touch the Champ, so we let him.

Back in the office, Bob asked me to tally up my total Champ hours, and since I'd passed the school's 10-hr minimum and he was satisfied with my progress, he signed me off.
Wanting to strike while the iron was hot, I told Ken to block out a few hours for me in the afternoon so I could take 70E up by myself.



I drove back to the apartment for a quick lunch, then headed straight back to Brown. the win was picking up- still not far off centerline, but I decided while Tom the mechanic swung the prop for me that I'd just do a few circuits, so as not to risk returning to the airport with the wind stronger than I would like.

I brought the camera for my solo outing, and was rewarded with some pics of a DC-3 taxiing and departing... an auspicious omen for my first taildragger solo!

My solo hop went very well: four landings, including a 3-pointer with a hair too much speed that I was able to turn into a good wheel landing (it just worked out that way). I was pretty happy with my performance, but glad I'd chosen to be conservative... the wind was at about 40 degrees steay at 16 when I exited the runway (very carefully).


I may go up for another quickie after work tomorrow, then make a little trip somewhere on Sunday.

[C]

Congratulations Sean. I'm very jealous! A tailwheel conversion is high on my list (just below a PPL actually when I get round to the paperwork!)

[Ben R]

Well done there Sean! Great story..what i love about it is that its real!

Congratulations!

[beaky]

Congratulations Sean. I'm very jealous! A tailwheel conversion is high on my list (just below a PPL actually when I get round to the paperwork!)

I'm assuming you still have to take a flight test? If so:

There's no reason not to do your PPL in a tailwheel aircraft...but being a trike-driver, and a hi-performance trike driver at that, you will, sadly, have to learn how to fly properly.  :D

I'm kidding about that... but not entirely. You'll see...  ;)


However, if you get your PPL in a trike  and then go for a tailwheel checkout, that will just be more work and expense, ultimately. I advise you to combine the two. A Moth would be nice, or maybe a Cub. There may even be a Champ near you, if you're on a tight budget.


They're often older airplanes that are slower and not as well-equipped, but they're also generally cheaper to rent or own, and they offer real "feel" flying while also reinforcing good habits.
I wish I'd considered it when I was starting out.

[beaky]

..what i love about it is that its real!

At the time, it seemed like a dream, especially with all that classic iron around the airport.
When I saw that DC-3 while taxiing the Champ, I felt like I'd died and gone to Taildragger Heaven! Surreal!!

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Congratulations Sean...well done.    

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug