Control

[jmvolpp]

What controllability influence would you think 5 year old bungees (starting to show some fatigue) might have on a crosswind wheel landing? Consider a direct crosswind of 10K with occasional G12-15 and the dance usually associated with same.

Mike V.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Control

If the bungees are "spongy" your underwear will be ruined about 2 seconds before the landing is.
Soft bungees make a minor mess up on arrival a real experience. If yours are sagging or soft I would change them. They make almost EVERYTHING worse.
Hank

[jmvolpp]

Re: Control

That might help explain the unexpected off-runway excursion taken Sunday morning by a certain local Tcrafter. Said pilot favors the wheel landing for crosswinds and typically holds the tail off until it comes down for lack of airflow. Landing to the east with south crosswind of aforementioned strength commenced on right main and, during rollout on both mains, a few knots before the tail was to come down, departure from the runway began stage right, unabated by left rudder/brake input and continued in the grass clockwise back to a northerly heading and stopped in the middle of the runway. Whereupon the aircraft was taxied uneventfully to the hangar, having sustained no damage to itself or the airport property. The aviator's pride, however, was somewhat dented.

Mike V.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Control

Was it anyone with whom you are acquainted, Mike?

[jmvolpp]

Re: Control

Yes - I know this flyer well!

[jmvolpp]

Re: Control

First flight this morning for the errant aviator since 2/26, and after bungee replacement. Advantage of the opportunity was also taken to replace gear bolts and rubber bumpers. Reportedly a marked improvement to the much stiffer gear noted for both wheel and 3-point landings, all negotiated within the confines of the runway this time.

[mikeg]

Re: Control

That might help explain the unexpected off-runway excursion taken Sunday morning by a certain local Tcrafter. Said pilot favors the wheel landing for crosswinds and typically holds the tail off until it comes down for lack of airflow. Landing to the east with south crosswind of aforementioned strength commenced on right main and, during rollout on both mains, a few knots before the tail was to come down, departure from the runway began stage right, unabated by left rudder/brake input and continued in the grass clockwise back to a northerly heading and stopped in the middle of the runway. Whereupon the aircraft was taxied uneventfully to the hangar, having sustained no damage to itself or the airport property. The aviator's pride, however, was somewhat dented.

Mike V.

Mike,
Food for thought - lack of airflow over the tail equals "no or very little rudder control" Not good in a cross wind. I have always preferred a full stall landing in a cross wind. Try it. (1200 hours and 42 years in mine )
Later,
Mike

[jmvolpp]

Re: Control

That time between when the rudder runs out of bite and when the tailwheel gets to the ground can definitely be the moment of truth, and was a contributor this time. I think a case can be made for either technique in a crosswind, always good fodder for discussion. In the past, said airman (about your vintage, I would judge), favored the 3-point approach more often than not, but is now more enamored with the wheelie, for whatever reason. That it didn't pan out so well this time should sharpen one for the next!

[fearofpavement]

Re: Control

Power is your friend for adding control effectiveness on the tail whether it be rudder or pitch you're short on.

[jim cooper]

Re: Control

Power is your friend for adding control effectiveness on the tail whether it be rudder or pitch you're short on.

In days of old it was always taught to 3 point it. I like both but am much better at 3 point. About 6 years ago I flew my Cessna 140 to Newgarden Pa. for their airshow. I three pointed it, nervously! Two Stearmans showed up! One flown by an airline captain who hopped rides in a 15-20 mile cross wind and did a magnifcent job WHEEL landing it evertime Probably 10 landings. Another Stearman arrived during this time, JUST rebuilt, Navy colors, low time owner. He touched down on the grass beside the main runway and PROMPTLY went into the woods in a semiground loop, breaking the left upper wing, destroying the prop, etc. Wind about the same. So its tough for me to really advise. Its constant repitition and practice of both I think.