Introduction and question

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

I think at least in the north east another factor besides nearly all runways are paved is there are very few cross wind runways. Fact is there are few runways. Basically you landing on the one runway you've got or you not landing anywhere for another 10 or 15 miles and that runway is probably no better. The days of other options when the winds aren't blowing the prevailing direction are gone.

[GAHorn]

...in the north east ...there are few runways...you landing on the one runway you've got or you not landing anywhere ...

AHA! So THAT'S why all the Nor'esters are moving to Florida!

SUA.jpg

I wish I could recall which Florida airport it was that, as a new private pilot, I'd been "tasked" (allowed) to go pick up another C-150 purchased by the flight school. Having flown about 10 hours to get there, and somewhat tired, I remember being about 5 miles west when the tower cleared me to land on runway Such-and-Such--Right... (easterly runway)... and I started S-turning trying to figure out which one to line up with as the airport looked exactly like an ASTERISK with ASTIGMATISM!
When I began the S-turns the savvy controller changed the clearance to "Cleared to Land, Any Runway"

[DaveF]

This may say something bad about me, but I've found that the extra care demanded by landing a tailwheel airplane has made me a better pilot in all other phases of flight.

I did my primary in a 150 at $29/hr. I could have learned in Super Cub, but it was $35/hr and would have taken an extra 10 hours. At the time I knew I'd eventually regret that decision.

[DWood]

I wish I could recall which Florida airport it was

It might be Dunnellon (X35)

Dan

[W.J.Langholz]

I may be in the Sport Pilot camp with the regard as to making it easier to fly and then go from there.

Bluelder, how much lesson time was required for you to get a ticket?

The point that I'm trying to make is to get GA to grow we need to get them in the air. Then learn something new each year. Strive to do better at flying maybe a different type. I have to tell you that it was alot harder for me to go from the 172 to a 206 than I thought. Yes I know most of it was between my ears and once I cleaned that out and remembered what Richard was telling me it finally clicked. Now I will push myself to learn as much as I can in that Type. Next year I will either learn to do a Taildragger or go back and do a low wing as it has been 25 years since the last time I flew one of those.

SSSSSOOOOO if you are looking at being a good instructor, teach them to fly FIRST and make yourself availible at different times of the day. Most people wanting to learn, have jobs that they need to work around, ie after super, weekends early mornings etc etc....... if you are going after a "Nitch Market" for taildragger flying use a Stearman or Waco.

If I'm going to take taildragger lessons it will be in something that is easy to fly first (Cub, Champ) get my skills down and then move up

With my humble opinion and 50 cents you can get yourself a cup of jo downtown

WIllie

[GAHorn]

... If I'm going to take taildragger lessons it will be in something that is easy to fly first (Cub, Champ) ...WIllie

Neither of those are as easy to fly as a C-120/140/170 , in my opinion. (Brakes, seating/view, in the Cub, and brakes, insufficient rudder/aileron for crosswinds, and stiff gear, in the case of the Champ.) The Cessnas are much better balanced flight controls and forgiving gear, with fantastic viewpoint and wider C/G.

[jrenwick]

This may say something bad about me, but I've found that the extra care demanded by landing a tailwheel airplane has made me a better pilot in all other phases of flight.

This is absolutely true, and I never meant to suggest otherwise. Tail wheel instruction builds better pilots. I'm saying it just isn't necessary, and we have much safer aircraft for primary instruction than they had to use in the 40s and 50s. As George pointed out, facilities (airports, runways) have changed, because most airplanes (in the lower 49) have tricycle gear. I believe most low-time pilots today are (unreasonably) frightened of landing on grass, and think that 2500' of hard surface is not enough runway for the light trainers they fly. Times have changed. Some of the skills that used to be taught to every student are advanced topics today. Along with that, I believe flying has become safer for all.

[W.J.Langholz]

... If I'm going to take taildragger lessons it will be in something that is easy to fly first (Cub, Champ) ...WIllie

Neither of those are as easy to fly as a C-120/140/170 , in my opinion. (Brakes, seating/view, in the Cub, and brakes, insufficient rudder/aileron for crosswinds, and stiff gear, in the case of the Champ.) The Cessnas are much better balanced flight controls and forgiving gear, with fantastic viewpoint and wider C/G.

George

I'm glad you add "in my opinion"

Thanks

W.