Landing a Tail Wheel Aircraft

Objectives To land a tail wheel aircraft: - on the main wheels (wheeler); and, - on all three wheels (three-pointer). To maintain directional control throughout the landing roll.

Control in pitch; and, Directional control. Considerations Control in pitch; and, Directional control.

Principles of Flight - Pitch Control

Principles of Flight - Directional Control

Principles of Flight - Slipstream Effect

Principles of Flight - Gyroscopic Effect

Principles of Flight - Torque Effect All three effects tend to work together. But their direction of effect depends on the rotational direction of the propeller.

Two Types of Landings The Wheeler:

Two Types of Landings The Three Pointer

Advantages of the Wheeler Landing Better aerodynamic control Better able to counter wind gusts More precise wheel placement Better forward visibility on touchdown Easier to go around

Disadvantages of the Wheeler Landing Higher touchdown speed More energy on landing More ‘lively’ Potentially more prone to bounce Longer landing roll

Advantages of the Three-Pointer The aircraft is on the ground to stay Minimal energy Shorter landing distance

Disadvantages of the Three-Pointer Vulnerable to wind gusts High AoA & no slipstream Reduced forward visibility

Airmanship & Human Factors Relaxation Smooth gentle inputs Helps control the three effects Where to look To the far end of the runway

Throttle Smooth gentle inputs Helps control two of the three effects Engine Management Throttle Smooth gentle inputs Helps control two of the three effects

Wheeler Landing Technique Fly twenty centimetres (six inches) off the ground trying NOT to touch the ground! Then, go around.

Wheeler Landing Technique Fly twenty centimetres (six inches) off the ground. Run your main wheels (gently) along the ground. Then, go around.

Wheeler Landing Technique Fly twenty centimetres (six inches) off the ground. Run your main wheels (gently) along the ground. Then, smoothly close the throttle. Apply gentle braking and fly the tail onto the ground, keeping straight. When the tail is on - stick fully aft.

Wheeler Landing Technique

Three Pointer Landing Technique Begin the round out 2-3 metres above the ground. Develop the flare until you are in the three point (taxiing) attitude, about half a metre above the ground.

Three Pointer Landing Technique Hold the three point (taxiing) attitude. Smoothly closing the throttle.

Three Pointer Landing Technique When the tail wheel is firmly on the ground - stick fully aft. Apple gentle braking, keeping straight.

Three Pointer Landing Technique

Crosswind Landing Technique The maximum demonstrated crosswind in the Chipmunk is 10 knots. A wheeler landing is often the more appropriate technique.

Crosswind Landing Technique The crosswind landing technique is conventional. If there is a significant wind gust factor, half flap is recommended.

Crosswind Landing Technique During the landing run it will be necessary to hold the stick (control column) into wind.