Tailwheel Transition Training Manual

Would you like to learn to fly an American aviation classic?

Flying is fun, but flying a little taildragger on a summer evening, from a grass strip is the most fun. Low and slow in a Luscombe or a Champ or in a Cub with the doors open is grassroots flying at its best.

Tailwheel flying is more enjoyable, but does require a higher degree of skill than strapping on a Cessna 172. I wrote this manual for my own students, because what was on the market was too complex and required a slide ruler in your possession to understand it. Tailwheel flying is basic and easy to understand, but does demand attention to details.

Hello Rand,

I recently purchased your tailweel training manual. I am finding it very valuable and interesting reading. Surprise! I am not a full size plane pilot, but an RC model plane "pilot." I recently built a Great Planes 60 size Cub and found it a real challenge to take off and land, unlike my other planes. I felt that a full size Cub training manual might give me some good suggestions on how to fly my model. I was right, as flying the model is extremely similar to your full size plane, except my tail wheel is steerable.

Regards,
Patrick

You’ll read about wheel landings, full stall landings, a slip to a landing and when to use the appropriate technique. We’ll talk about groundloops, when and why they occur and bounces on landing. The center of gravity will now be behind the main gear, rather than in front of it. What are the consequences of this? Have you ever landed on grass before?

Hi Rand,

I ordered your tail wheel book a few months ago and have read it a few times – an excellent piece of work and it has helped me greatly as I work on my tail wheel endorsement. I particularly liked the photos of the J3 Cub in the manual.

Now for the eerie part – that is my plane!!!! I recently bought her from Robert Griffin in Hampton, Rhode Island and flew her home in April 2006. It was a grand adventure over 3 days and 16.5 hours of flying time – we met some incredible people at the airport (when we needed to replace a broken leaf spring before leaving Hampton) and along the way. Can you imagine my total surprise when I saw my Cub in your book! I of course then remembered that you were the owner before Mr. Griffin. To me that is very cool!

So…the Cub has since received a new tail wheel, new Grove STC disc brakes, and several other enhancements that were necessary as it hadn’t flown much in the past few years. But she is in tip top shape and we fly the wheels off of her every chance we get. We took ten people up for their first Cub ride this past Saturday – each of them from school children to wealthy businessmen who own their own Mirages and Citations – stated it was the most fun they have ever had flying! The romance of flying is alive and well in Northern Illinois. The plane is hangared (indoor and heated) at Lake in the Hills Airport (3CK) and flies several times per week.

Please accept my invitation if you are ever in the area (we are less than an hour from O’Hare) to come fly the Cub with us.

Best regards,
John

How much do you understand about your magnetos? Do you know what a P-lead is and how it works? We discuss propping, a practice that was common 20 years ago. Learn how to prime and prop your Continental 65 safely and with confidence.

Although our Cub is the model for our discussion, the information is pertinent to all small tailwheel airplanes. We also talk about flying a Stearman, just in case you’re ready to move up to something a little larger and more challenging to fly. If you like tailwheel flying…you’ll love open cockpit, radial engine tailwheel flying. And for those contemplating an aircraft purchase, learning to fly a little taildragger opens up a whole new market of reasonably priced airplanes. Cessna 140’s, Piper Pacers, Luscombes, Aeronca Champs and Chiefs and many more. Wait until you see the crowd they attract when you park it on the ramp next to your favorite airport diner.

I’ve also included tips on buying an aircraft. I’ve done it three times now; so let my experience help guide your thinking.

Is your Cessna 172 or 182 one of those that has grass growing up around it because you’ve lost interest in flying? An activity, that just a few years ago you couldn’t wait to get out and enjoy. If it is, than you need a new challenge, a new skill and tailwheel flying, without a GPS, moving maps and all the other electronic gizmo’s just might be the the ticket. Low and slow in an antique, with a sectional chart spread across your lap and a pencil behind your ear is very satisfying.

Tailwheel flying is a lot of fun. Start your education by reading my 62-page manual and then go out and find a qualified instructor to hone your skills.

To order, send a check for $24.95 to:	Stick and Rudder Aviation LLC P.O. Box 231 Mont Vernon, NH. 03057
Or, visit our friends at:

*The Hampton Airfield in Hampton, NH. Where our manual is the official school text. Ask for Mike, George, Charlie* or John.**	*Wings Pilot Shop in Nashua, NH. One of the largest pilot shops in the country. Ask for Charlie* or Susan.**	*Don’s Flying Service at the Marlboro Airport in Marlboro. MA. Ask for Steve.*

Harvey & Lee Sawyer, our newest manual distributor, with Rand and the Cub at Silver Ranch Airpark in Jaffrey, NH	Harvey Sawyer, studying Stick and Rudders Tailwheel manual, before enjoying an evening of late summer Cub flying. Actually, Harvey was flying tailwheels before I knew what they were!	-Not available at Sporty's-