Just out of interest when I first flew a mono I was under the impression
that the lack of rudder authority must be in part down to the small rudder.
Now owning a tri gear I realise its nothing to do with the rudder at all as
I have authority at running pace. Initially I expected to have to use my
differential brakes for a little while in the acceleration but that's not
the case. Amazing how the tundra tyre must be so sticky to the floor that it
stops the planes rudder working. Or am I missing something?
Kev T
-----Original Message-----
From: forum-owner@europaclub.org.uk
Subject: Re: First Flight
In a message dated 8/11/02 4:11:01 PM Central Daylight Time,
europajim@juno.com writes:
> The biggest thing will be how much corrections are necessary to keep the
> Mono-wheel straight. As I know it must be kept straight or it will bite
> you.
Congrats on your first flight. With regard to your worry about keeping the
monowheel straight just don't forget that the tailwheel is your only means
of
directional control until close to takeoff speed. It is unlike - say a
Cessna
120 or 170 where you push the stick forward to get the tail off the ground
while you let the airspeed build. The thing is the Europa all moving
tailplane is powerful enough to get the tail off the ground and all you end
up doing is pulling rather briskly off the left due to prop wash.
Just keep in a little back pressure to keep the tailwheel on the ground for
most of the acceleration and you will have directional control all the way,
no problem. Keep the back pressure in and the aircraft will lift off all by
itself although I find that above 35 kt the airplane wants to sit on its
monowheel and at that speed there is plenty of rudder authority.
Good luck and safe flying.
Regards,
Martin Tuck
N152MT
Wichita, Kansas
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