smithflys23
Well Known Member
Can anyone comment on how tail wheel training in a Super Decathlon prepared them for flying an RV8? Any help is apprecited!
I did my tailwheel endorsement training in a super decathlon (about 5 hrs) and then did some actual RV-8 training (also about 5 hours) prior to my first RV-8 solo flight.
The former was great for fundamentals, but you really need time in type to get a good feel for the RV overall. The decathlon requires large control movements at slow speed, the RV not so much.
The first takeoff in the RV will catch your attention. My first few landings were dicey, and the first few crosswinds landings especially so. Landing speed is a lot faster.
You also have to really pay attention to bank angle in the pattern and don't get slow and sloppy, or it won't forgive you.
Good practice/experience overall, any tailwheel time is a good thing!
I had time in a super decathlon prior to taking transition training. The RV transition training was definitely different and definitely valuable.
You also have to really pay attention to bank angle in the pattern and don't get slow and sloppy, or it won't forgive you.
This is piloting 101 though and nothing special about an RV here. It's no less forgiving than anything else except maybe an Ercoupe.
Super D is an OK tailwheel trainer - approach and landing speeds are very similar to an RV-8. Heavier and a little more sluggish handling on the ground. Super D is almost too easy, but if you get worked over and competent with 3-pointers, wheelies, and x-winds, the RV transition will be very easy. There seems to be a bit of a trend here with posters portraying the RV-8 as touchy and squirrely. Everyone has a different opinion based on prior experience, but they are pussycats as tailwheel airplanes go.
(the drop-1-foot-above-the-runway bounce and rudder on rollout)
One of the answers needs to be what ever the insurance company requires.
If any RV works then Jan is within driving distance from you with a RV-6.
I transitioned tailwheel in a Citabria. Fun plane to fly but not an RV.
Which one had the drop?
If you can handle any taidragger, then you can handle the 8. It does have a couple of characteristic that separates it from most aircraft. If you set up a no power sink rate, it can become interesting when you go to flare. Keep power on and shallow approach till you get used to it. Also, if you get used to pattern work at slow speeds with just you aboard, and then add a passenger, weight, it can Buffett or even snap on you. Practice the slow stuff up high for a few hours. Extra weight requires extra speed, more so than others. One other thing, it is hard to stay of brakes due to design. Pull back toes hard when landing or you?ll be applying brakes on landing.
The -8 mostly. I experienced it with the Super D as well but it's mostly an artifact of the -8
Add a little throttle at the flare or keep it on and you'll be fine.
Once you settle the mains on - power off.
I?ve been doing mainly wheel landings in the Super D. I?ve been carrying a little power until the mains are on, slowly retarding to idle, and flying the tail wheel on. Seems a lot more controlled that 3point landings.