Tailwheel

On 12/12/2012 1:59 PM, Roger Fowler wrote:
At 21:22 12 December 2012, Eric Greenwell wrote:

And the first bump it unlocks ?

Complicated and not smart.

Geez, more negative experts!

A large enough bump might unlock it for a few milliseconds, but it
would re-lock instantly. Note that Blanik's are taildraggers and
many have permanently castering tail wheels so it can't be a big
deal.

Blaniks have a huge rudder that becomes effective even before the wing
runner lets go. Not so for high performance gliders.

Another likely reason: the tailwheel is large but carefully faired in.
Enabling it to swivel would involve tradeoffs in cost, weight, and drag.

And possibly: people tow the gliders around with vehicles attached to
the tail dolly. Attaching a tow bar to just the might be a problem.

But I agree it would be nice; personally, I'd rather have a steerable
tail wheel. No more directional control problems at low speeds. I love
the one on my ASH 26 E even when I take a tow, and, of course, every
time I land.

Question: How much download can you apply when pulling the stick full back
right after touchdown?

Experience: I forgot to lock the tailwheel on a Stearman once before I
took off. Boy was that exciting!

Or just touching down tail first, and having it unlock in a cross wind.
Probably not as exciting as your Stearman ride, but disturbing enough.


--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
email me)