Converting from a nose-wheel or tricycle gear aircraft to a tailwheel aircraft is like swapping your salooon car for a sports car, it's a whole new ride. Tailwheel aircraft are considered by many to be the purest form of flying and offer a unique set of challenges and rewards. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the process of converting to a tailwheel aircraft, including tips, advice, common problems and the average amount of time it takes to complete the conversion.
Tips and Advice:
Get familiar with the aircraft:
Before you start your conversion, make sure you familiarise yourself with the tailwheel aircraft you'll be flying. It's like trying to drive a manual transmission car without ever having driven one before, you're going to have a hard time. Make sure you know the aircraft's systems, limitations and handling characteristics. Read the manual and ask questions to your instructor. Take a walk around the aircraft and inspect it, notice the different parts and how they work.
Find a good instructor:
Finding a good instructor who has experience with tailwheel aircraft is crucial. It's like trying to learn to dance from someone who has two left feet, it's not going to go well. Make sure your instructor has the experience and qualifications to teach you how to fly a tailwheel aircraft. It's important to find an instructor that you are comfortable with and that you can trust. Look for an instructor that has experience flying the specific aircraft you will be training in.
Practice, practice, practice:
The most important thing you can do when converting to a tailwheel aircraft is practice. It's like trying to play a musical instrument, the more you practice, the better you'll get. Make sure you're comfortable with all the manoeuvres and procedures before you fly solo. Practice on the ground first, with a flight simulator or on a tailwheel aircraft on wheels.
Be prepared for different sensations:
Tailwheel aircraft handle differently than nose-wheel or tricycle gear aircraft. Expect to feel different sensations during take-off, landing, and taxi. It's important to be prepared for this change and to be aware that it will take some time to adapt.
Learn the principles of flying:
Tailwheel aircraft are less forgiving than nose-wheel or tricycle gear aircraft. It's important to understand the principles of flying, such as weight and balance, stall recovery, and emergency procedures. Understanding these principles will help you to fly more safely and effectively.
General differences.
A tailwheel aircraft, also known as a conventional gear aircraft, has its main landing gear located under the tail section of the aircraft, while a tricycle gear aircraft, also known as a nose-wheel aircraft, has its main landing gear located under the nose of the aircraft.
The main difference in handling between a tailwheel and a tricycle gear aircraft is in the way they behave during take-off and landing. Tailwheel aircraft require more skill and experience to handle as they have a more pronounced tendency to "ground loop" during take-off and landing, which means that the tail wheel can lose traction and cause the aircraft to veer off course. This can be caused by a crosswind, uneven pavement, or other factors.
On the other hand, a tricycle gear aircraft is generally considered to be more stable and easier to handle during take-off and landing. The nose wheel provides more stability during the critical phases of take-off and landing, making it easier to maintain control of the aircraft. This is because the centre of gravity is located in front of the main landing gear, providing more stability and control.
Additionally, during take-off, tailwheel aircraft require a technique called "tail wheel lift" where the pilot must lift the tail wheel off the ground before the main wheels lift off, which gives the pilot a better control of the direction of the aircraft. On the other hand, a tricycle gear aircraft does not require this technique as the nose wheel is already in the air.
Common Problems:
Ground handling:
Tailwheel aircraft are more sensitive on the ground, and it can be challenging to control them during taxi and take-off. It's like trying to walk on ice in high heels, it's not easy. Make sure you're familiar with the ground handling procedures and practice them before you fly solo. Pay attention to the centre of gravity, the position of the tailwheel, and the wind conditions.
Crosswinds:
Tailwheel aircraft are more affected by crosswinds than nose-wheel or tricycle gear aircraft. It's like trying to walk a straight line with a strong gust of wind, it's not easy. Make sure you're familiar with the crosswind procedures and practice them before you fly solo. Learn how to control the aircraft during a crosswind landing and take-off.
Landing:
Landing a tailwheel aircraft can be challenging, especially for pilots who are used to nose-wheel or tricycle gear aircraft. It's like trying to park a car in a tight spot, it's not easy. Make sure you're familiar with the landing procedures and practice them before you fly solo. Pay attention to the flare and the attitude of the aircraft. Learn how to control the aircraft during a three-point landing and a wheel landing.
Average time to completion.
The average amount of time it takes to complete a tailwheel conversion varies depending on the individual pilot and the aircraft. It's like trying to learn a new language, it's different for everyone. Some pilots may be able to complete the conversion in a few weeks, while others may take several months. On average, it takes around 5-15 hours of flight time to complete a tailwheel conversion, but this can vary depending on the individual's experience and skill level.
Final word.
Converting from a nose-wheel or tricycle gear aircraft to a tailwheel aircraft can be a challenging but fulfilling experience. To ensure a smooth transition, it is important to familiarise yourself with the tailwheel aircraft, find a qualified instructor, practice regularly, and understand the principles of flying. Be prepared for different sensations and to encounter common problems such as ground handling, crosswinds, and landing. The time it takes to complete the conversion varies, but on average it takes around 25-40 hours of flight time. Safety is always the top priority, so make sure to be well-prepared, stay calm, and communicate with your instructor throughout the process.
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