Flying a Tail Dragger - Tip #3 - Taxi + Run-up + Take-Off - Shoes Matter! - POV flying

[@AV8RRobb]

The comment made while holding short (6:40) "Its like boxing, not ballroom dancing." is very helpful! Thanks for your videos.

[@FlightChops]

+Knuckle Dragger Glad you found it helpful, and yes, I'm still relatively new to tail wheel flying, but that single bit of advice from Dennis is something that I hear in my head each time I fly one.

[@Bartonovich52]

Thanks for sharing. Been too long since I flew tailwheel.... but I'm building a Super Cub and this has given me new inspiration to get it in the air as soon as possible.

[@FlightChops]

That's awesome! Where are you baseed?

[@Bartonovich52]

I am in Invermere BC mainly flying a Cessna 337.

[@joeparker4543]

I have a SEP land and SEP Sea license and want to extend my experience into tail wheel. I am about to start my tail wheel course. These videos with Dennis are fantastic - Dennis is a start instructor - calm, clear, concise yet exact in his commentary ; one of the best instructors I have heard and I wish he was here in Scotland 👍🏼😃

[@HurricaneUAVDesign]

Your instructor response when you said you got your shoe stuck is pure gold, he just said oh there you have more excitement, it's so cool

[@gigask9]

all-stars and any vans are great to wear flying to :)

[@peachtrees27]

Great video and I watched the whole thing. Love your instructor's sage words. Love the focus on tailwheel, which I was gonna get last summer but pussed out. Tailwheel in 2014!

[@FlightChops]

Dennis is amazing; super calm and confident - he creates a great environment in which to learn. And yes, get on that Tail Wheel - I waited way too long to do it, but am glad to finally be getting it done!

[@cnoz7247]

What is Dennis’ contact info?

[@lauragao4707]

I am about to take my first tail dragger lesson (taxi) in a couple hours and found this great video. Thanks a lot! Subscribed!

[@FlightChops]

Laura Gao Awesome! How did your lesson go?

[@okcpicker]

I learned to fly in a Citabria taildragger back in the late 60's when I was in high school. Not having any tricycle experience, I thought tail dragging was the most natural way to taxi around an airport. I had no idea it was tricky. Apparently, I had a great instructor. I laugh now when I hear that a pilot needs a taildragger endorsement.

[@mikefoxtrot_svk]

Great video sir. I have done my tail wheel type rating on Zlin Z-126 two weeks ago and I totally know how you feel. It open up whole new world of flying and it's very tricky as you said, especially with the feet during taxiing, take-off and landing. Take care Mike

[@jburton0001]

Not Merrells, but I usually fly in Puma Speedcats. They're made for driving and basically consist of a suede upper and thin rubber sole. Not the most comfortable long term, but you can feel a lot of detail in the pedals. Great videos, by the way. I really enjoy the detail and effort you put into them. Thanks for providing such an important service.

[@FlightChops]

Happy to share - Glad you like the videos, and thanks for the comment regarding the shoes!

[@StingFlight]

Wow! Outstanding! And some nice video production tricks revealed, too, for us up-comers to learn and try. As for shoes, I have a very old pair of supple shoes I've flown all of my 1,200 hours with--as a necessary implement for better "feel," for keeping off the brakes.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks Sting. But what production tricks did I reveal? I was trying to keep those a secret! :P

[@paulogden7417]

I like to push the shopping cart backwards at the grocery store - its great tailwheel practice! LIke you said, you gotta aim for the inside of the corner with the mains, and then swing the tail wide.

[@cita750]

Great video. Haven't done any tail dragging yet but plan on doing some in the near future. Thanks for the tips.

[@TrueMSA]

"I got my shoe stuck under the rudder"..."Hey that just adds to the excitement." I laughed at this...even though it was probably super freaky at the time. Great videos. Seriously, as a student all your videos are extremely helpful, so please keep making them. In return, I'll buy you a drink of your choice at a local watering hole if you're ever in the area.

[@FlightChops]

Haha - awesome thanks - I'm happy to keep making the videos when I get comments like this! What's your local Area? I am in the GTA, south west of downtown Toronto.

[@TrueMSA]

***** I'm in Minneapolis, so not too close..but not too far either (especially considering, hey airplanes)....are you on /r/Flying on reddit?

[@stevecamden3072]

Like learning to fly all over again...Good luck and keep up the vids

[@FlightChops]

Yup - soloing in that thing felt like my very first solo all over again - I can't wait to share that video :)

[@darwyn82]

These are the best videos I've seen. I just rebuilt a '46 cessna 120 and I've been practicing my tailwheel transition in her. I never new the taildragger could get away from you so quick! Don't ask me how I know but I've got a wing tip scrape to repair now. Please keep these excellent vids coming! Great job!

[@FlightChops]

***** Thanks! So glad you're enjoying the videos. If you're new, I have a LOT more tail wheel content in the back catalog now :) It's been my biggest flying focus for the past year! (including the most recent videos covering moving up to the Stearman - the first of the bigger warbirds I'm learning to fly! And we made a solid production addressing the "Ground Loop", which I believe this video promises.

[@luer0211]

Good stuff like usual! Just came back from a 2 hour 3 leg flight in a Army Cub PA-18-90. Man, it's great! And I truely believe that it makes you a better pilot! At least it made me a better pilot! When it comes to shoes I find it work well with thin converse shoes. Keep em' comming! :)

[@FlightChops]

That's awesome! I'd love to hear more about your flight. What were you doing flying so long in an Army PA-18?

[@luer0211]

Thought I'd take a nice sunday flight, so I drove to the airport the cub is at, had a chat and some coffee with the folk there, flew over to the airport where I fly gliders and tow to have a chat and drink some coffee with my fellow glider pilots, then I flew to my home airport, had a chat and a couple cups of coffee over there and then finally returned to the departure airport (THAT was a long sentence!) :P the route was (ICAO) ENSN - ENNO - ENJB - ENSN. Nice flight to just focusing on whats fun (stick and rudder!) after all the call-outs and procedures etc, that I do everyday at flight school. Overall a good sunday :) Do you still fly the cub often? The cub I fly is a bit diffrent from yours, its a PA-18-90 army cub (used to belong the norwegian airforce). It's got 90hp (so not as powerful as yours), no flaps, and has the standard J-3 instruments pretty much.

[@FlightChops]

Eric Lund Thanks for sharing - that sounds like an awesome day of cub flying! I am keen to get to the point where I can do that sort of thing! I hope to be building tail wheel experience by towing gliders with in a year or two.

[@luer0211]

Yeah, towing is great fun and also a super experience to have regarding the fact that you pretty much practice engine off landings and approaches every single landing. I recommend doing it! :)

[@doc-nobody-glider]

Very good lesson! Narrow taxi ways are in fact somewhat tricky. That´s why I love grass fields :-)

[@anonharingenamn]

Lovely videos. I love the cut-in of the dash!

[@bazwabat1]

Very informative. Funnily enough I've soloed a SuperCub (well 30 years ago) and never talked about the taxi method described here. Mind you the airport has huge taxi ways and a grass strip away from the main runways (Christchurch International). maybe i got it right first time? A fluke if I did, I'm no Chuck Yeager! Useful for when I finally get back into a taildragger again!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks for the comment - glad you found the video informative!

[@pilotazim]

This videos rather cool and very much informative and easy to understand :) Brilliant. Thanks for sharing not flown a TailDeagger for some time now

[@FlightChops]

Md Azeem Thanks - I'm happy to share!

[@radiopipi]

This is a great video,was looking for this "supercab 101" for a long time. thank's allot,keep up the goodwork.

[@FlightChops]

Happy to share, glad you liked it.

[@jdonalds2001]

My first small aircraft flight will be in a Champ. These videos are very interesting for me. Thanks.

[@mhossen]

Another great video Steve! You have me very keen to start my tail wheel endorsement.

[@FlightChops]

Right on! Yeah it is a blast man… Minimal instruments and lots of scenery - Everything melts away and you can just think about stick and rudder flying!

[@mhossen]

Thanks man! Yeah, I really want to get in to it. Just have to find somewhere that has one that isn't a million dollars an hour. How'd you go with the G1000? Get checked out in it yet?

[@FlightChops]

Michael Hossen I am currently doing IFR and the tail wheel stuff, so I let the G1000 slide for now - I am not in a huge rush for that. I did enough training to get to the point where understand it, which was my main goal - not sure how practical it is for my type of flying which is mainly fair Wx VFR. And I'd like to be comfortable with IFR on steam gauges before I consider switching over to G1000 for that.

[@Mexx1011]

***** Just finished my MIFR on steam gauges with just a basic heading indicator. Once you mastered that you will realize flying IFR in a G1000 is a breeze compared to that. If you understand how the G1000 works that is.

[@FlightChops]

Richard H Haha yes - it has totally occurred to me! I started out with tail wheel as a welcome diversion from the grueling IFR work, but this summer the tail wheel stuff has sort of taken over because it is so much fun - I'll have to get re focused on IFR this winter :)

[@flymachias]

Great video! My dad always had specific shoes he wore when flying his Piper J-5A and I always fly in the same pair of shoes just because I like how I can really feel the rudder pedals with them. I really like seeing your first experience with a tail draggeri haven't flown one yet and it's interesting to see how much different it can be from tricycle gear.

[@seapilot4042]

I got my start on tail wheels (1978), J-3 at a small airfield with a grass runway. For me, there is nothing like that kind of flying, years later and many other types of planes and flying performance, when I think about flying, The J-3 always wins out. While getting an advanced rating I mentioned that to my instructor, she looked puzzled, she had never flown one.

[@bremms1]

Nice video, the shoes thing was spot on. I have size 13 feet and wear Addidas Tuscany driving shoes to fly. Try those. Puma Ferrari driving shoes work great too. I'm only on my 7th hour of my PP but l really like the humility and candor of your videos. Going to fly this weekend with a friend in his 46 Champ. He's a CFI and I can pick up a bit of instruction. He's not my regular instructor but gives me good advice.

[@FlightChops]

bremms1 Thanks! And I highly recommend flying with multiple instructors throughout your career - you can always learn something new, and different styles of teaching are interesting to learn from.

[@bremms1]

***** My instructor recommended flying with another instructor for just that reason. He did tell me to ignore the landing attitude of the Champ before my checkride. His Champ is a cool plane, hand propped slow but super fun. His other plane is an A330. Kind of flies itself. Opposite worlds.

[@TenMinuteTrips]

Hello again Mr. FlightChops! I am the proud, new, half-owner of a 1975 Bellanca 8KCAB Decathon (. N52245 ) Obviously, I'm not going solo in this thing any time soon. I do want to let you and your fans know that I am learning from your videos.

[@FlightChops]

I really appreciate this comment! And I actualy did a couple lessons in a Citabria this week so I'll be sharing those videos soon talking about the differences between it and the Super Cub! Your plane sounds like tons of fun!

[@TenMinuteTrips]

Just an update; We pulled the Decathlon out of its lease-back this year and it now has fresh paint and its own hanger in Hayward, California. I’m still learning to fly (time and money), splitting my time between the Decathlon and a Cessna 152. I watched this video again today. It’s great to see the difference between the Super Cub and the Decathlon. Where your instructor called for neutral stick, the stick goes forward on the Decathlon to get the tail wheel airborne in a hurry. Then bring the stick back smoothly and begin the climb out. The 180 hp Decathlon climbs in a hurry! Again, thanks for sharing your flying experiences.

[@merlionforce8551]

Wow thanks! I got a pair of vibram five fingers shoes they are perfect for these moments

[@nards656]

LOVE LOVE LOVE Tailwheel stuff.

[@FlightChops]

Right on! and if you're new to the channel - the back catalog is fairly awesome if I do say so myself - we're approaching 100 episodes now :)

[@nards656]

I've been watching some on and off for a little while :) Great channel.

[@skyearthocean5815]

You might try Lems shoes, they have a nice thin minimalist sole. Shouldn't get stuck on anything.

[@FlightChops]

+FrequentFlier Anon Thanks! I'll check that out!

[@dylanpierce8984]

Just started watching your videos!! I love them!! subed!:)

[@AirmonkeyG]

Hi Steve, I have posted on my page a picture of a Merrell shoe that I use now. I had a pair very close to yours and worn them for ever. They were a great shoe for flying agreed!!!! I found a good selection at Factory Shoe in Hamilton. I fly out of Spectrum as well and enjoy your video's. Great job and thank you.

[@FlightChops]

Awesome - thanks - I'll have a look.

[@LocalFlightEast]

loved it (as always) taxiing looks like a distinct challenge. I had enough issues in the tricycle gear cessna. still find parking problematic. what's the forward visibility like?. i get the impression that it can be quite limited in some taildraggers. heel brakes would totally freak me out. also had to laugh about the stuck foot. I have exactly the same brand of merrel sneakers that I fly in for those exact same reasons. I need a lot of tactile feedback from the pedals. your tail dragger instructor seems like a great guy , a very instinctual pilot. I like his style.

[@FlightChops]

Awesome thanks! Yes, in some tail draggers the nose can really block your forward view when in the "3 point" attitude on the ground. The Super Cub is not too bad, but a plane like the Stearman or Harvard have very a restricted forward view. I think they need to taxi in a zig-zag when going straight to be sure they know what is ahead. If all goes according to plan, I'll be checked out in the Cub shortly, and Flying the Stearman with Dennis later this summer! And yes, Dennis is hands down the best instructor I've ever flown with (and I have flown with many over the years.) He is calm, confident and knows what to say, and when to say it; He let's me make my own mistakes (safely) and then calmly explains how I can fix them - He creates a perfect environment in which to learn.

[@pachaleke]

Really nice video as usual

[@22640cal]

Totally agree with the shoes matter. I fly the R22/44 and I cannot wear boots because I cant feel the anti-torque pedals. I find that legit running shoes are the best but rather cold during the winter months.

[@FlightChops]

22640cal Choppers are on my list.... I'm coming for you! :)

[@22640cal]

***** I love helicopters, they are fun. Id like to get my fixed wing add on one of these days lol If you have any rotary questions Id be happy to help, Ill be starting my CFI training soon so it would be beneficial for both of us :)

[@FlightChops]

22640cal Right on! where are you based?

[@22640cal]

KPVU

[@TheAviator789]

The shoe problem on cubs is a big deal. I fly a cub and used to use sailing deck shoes while flying. I had the exact same problem here with the sole getting jammed on the metal plate. Most of the time my shoes were so loose they just fell off when I pulled my foot back. Good find, I'm sure nobody has mentioned this before.

[@FlightChops]

Cool thanks. I "knew" that the clunky shoes were not ideal, but there's nothing like a practical demonstration "proving" the problem. I'm just glad it happened so early, and on my first lesson no less! Now I can resolve it for future.

[@ZeroByteInFlight]

***** I'm surprised there hasn't been an AD to make the metal plate extend farther forward to avoid this since it happens to several people. "Just wear appropriate shoes" doesn't sound like the FAA's usual tone....

[@TheAviator789]

It's because these cubs were built in the 1960's. Most of which are flying under a permit and not a certificate of airworthiness. A lot of cubs are even experimental so it's a design flaw on part of Piper. Not feasible to redesign the whole aircraft as they are not even in production anymore!

[@ZeroByteInFlight]

Well, that totally makes sense. Thanks for the info!

[@TenMinuteTrips]

Hello Mr. FlightChops! I was happy to see your comments over at Mr. Aviation 101! Here's my question: About the shoes; my CFI asked me about my shoes! Actually he lectured me about my shoes. He wants me to be able to "feel" the rudder pedals. I think I'm going to go up with some boat shoes and see how that feels with the rudder pedals. Your thoughts? Bruce.

[@FlightChops]

Agreed that boat / deck shoes are a good idea. Some people also like simple converse "all star" type shoes. I am still using my beat up old Merrels for now, but am looking for a new pair based on some of the other comments regarding the newer "naked" glove line that Merrell has now.

[@VERANTESDEVOLAR]

Very good video! Keep it doing them !!! Saludos from Chile !

[@FlightChops]

Thanks - I just solo'd in that plane today for the first time!

[@johngroberts952]

Great video for me since I'm starting on a tail dragger build. As for shoes Merrill still makes thin soled shoes which I personally feel are the most comfortable ever. Look for the same mesh build. The soles are not as thick as they look in the pictures. Thanks.

[@at1357]

4 in the morning?! Well hello fellow insomniac... Nice vid as always.

[@FlightChops]

Heh, yeah - I usually take a few days on and off over a week to collect my thoughts and build the over all structure. When I feel that I am "over the hump" and can see how it is going to come together, I can get on a role in an editing session, and I tend to stick it out until it is done. But I had pressed "publish" and was in bed by 2am :) It was the uploading and encoding that took until 4.

[@at1357]

***** Oh ok, a fake insomniac. I'm taking back your club membership card. ;)

[@FlightChops]

A.T.1357 Don't get me wrong - I can stay up late with the best of 'em :P I'm totally not a morning person, and can easily find myself staying up late, puttering into the wee hours. - but I try to fight the urge so that I am not a zombie in the morning.

[@at1357]

***** Haha, I'm just giving you a hard time. I'm actually with you; definitely not a morning person but passed the days of pulling all-nighters. My sleep cycle was completely screwed up last night and I was off today, so I stayed up till 6, but it's definitely not the norm for me...

[@ccubsfan94]

If you want some good slim shoes Goodyear makes driving specific shoes that help for feel and are slim for small pedalboxes.

[@ClarkyAv]

Really interesting video! Would love to get my tailwheel at some point soon,

[@AlexFeldstein]

Great video. Well done indeed. I found it also very instructional as I am not tailwheel rated and eeven though I have been in Super Cubs twice (back seat), I have not taxied or done the take-off. Thanks for posting!

[@mikefogle5874]

Totally into this right now. I know your struggles... LOL

[@ZeroByteInFlight]

It looks like you had a few moments remembering what it was like to be a primary student. You need more on your plate - add multi-engine seaplane to your agenda.

[@FlightChops]

Yup - nothing like stepping out of the comfort zone to grow and challenge yourself. Not sure about multi, but I'd love to get my float endorsement done :)

[@Pomidorisgogo]

Pretty informative video! Pass my regards to Dennis ;)

[@rob3449]

Another awesome video!

[@willallen847]

Depending on the airplane, I vary my shoes. My pride and joy is a nice polished Luscombe. While learning to fly, I used to wear penny loafers due to the big sole to help on the heal brakes. I'm 6'2" so there isn't much leg room let alone enough room to flex your heels. A right cross wind with a stuck left rudder wasn't fun. The shoe slipped off and lodged itself behind the brake and in front of the left rudder. On climb out I had my dad take controls and I unlodged my shoe. Since then I go barefoot on the take off and landing with the heel brakes. I also fly a Swift a lot, and would never dare to go barefoot due to the toe brakes. Your feet can get pinched even with tennis shoes, so I usually opt for boots when I fly the Swift.

[@FlightChops]

Will Allen Interesting perspective. I'm 6' and feel about right for leg room. Using low profile shoes since this first flight, has worked well for me.

[@TomSmith-io9uk]

Good video my Flight Chop friend.

[@Burchrg24]

The only type of shoe I wear when flying is car racing shoes. Very thin sole and have FIRE RETARDING features. Can get somewhat warm in summer, but wear a light "dress" sock to alleviate some of the heat. They also aren't that expensive. Hope that helps. I don't know why "they" don't have flying shoes on the market.

[@FlightChops]

Burchrg24 Thanks! Can you give me the brand? the link might be spam filtered by KZbin, but just the brand and model and I can google - thnx.

[@Burchrg24]

***** Yeah dude! Low tops ($50-$250 Cheapest/Least amount of fire protection) www.saferacer.com/auto-racing-shoes/low-top-shoes. Midtops ($90-$250 More fire protection) www.saferacer.com/auto-racing-shoes/mid-top-shoes. Hightops (Highest grade fire protection $100-$500) www.saferacer.com/auto-racing-shoes/high-top-shoes. I have two pair. Low tops (www.saferacer.com/sparco-logo-sport-shoe) for summer. Hightops (www.saferacer.com/sparco-top3-racing-shoes) for winter. Love the videos.

[@FlightChops]

Burchrg24 Thanks so much for sharing this info! And glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@kevinrushmere]

Really cool I want to learn tail draggers,good camera work too what camera is being used a go pro ?

[@FlightChops]

Kevin OConnor Thanks! I'm still rockin' Hero2s

[@KeithArnotBurr]

Lol wow! I would have soiled myself when the shoe got caught on the rudder pedal. You handled that with great poise. Well done. I've always been a little apprehensive about a tail dragger just because of that dreaded ground loop. Would you recommend strating off learning on a tail dragger first and then to the tricycle?

[@FlightChops]

Keith Burr That's how they did it in the old days! So, yeah, if you can get access to a tail dragger and an instructor that will do primary instructing on it - go for it! Dennis says he wishes he could do primary training with the Super Cub, but the problem is that some critical controls are only accessible from the front seat. Thus, to get the front seat check out, you need to already be a pilot who understands how to operate the mixture, flaps and so on which can not be controlled from the instructor's seat in the back. J3 cubs are flown solo from the back seat and I think the way it works is that the instructor sits up front... That would be a heck of a way to learn to fly! It would sure make for some strong fundamentals!

[@mikepowers171]

Sweet video, looks like a fun time. What kind of camera you got mounted in the cabin?

[@FlightChops]

GoPros are the fixed / on board cams, and the B-Roll footage is shot D-SLR by a buddy - I believe it was a Cannon t3i

[@ZeroByteInFlight]

B-roll footage in this case is the takeoff viewed from outside the plane. (For those not savvy with filming lingo)

[@joshualandry3160]

No idea if you are still looking for shoes 3 years latter, but OluKai are nice thin shoes which stay on very, very well. A bit on the pricey side.

[@flywithjacob]

Hey FlightChops! I was looking through your videos, and I couldn't seem to locate the video where you put the "Chop" on Zoe's crazy wake encounter. Is it still up? Thanks!

[@FlightChops]

I'm glad you enjoy the videos! That video is in limbo due to some confidentiality issues - I am hoping to have it sorted soon.

[@billyjanus]

Welcome to the world of tail wheel its a ton of fun! Though during your warm up did you notice you were across the hold short?

[@FlightChops]

Haha, I knew some one was gonna point that out. Yeah, I was shy / gentle with the brakes and didn't get it stopped in time; but I was just barely hanging over the line, and it is no big deal at that airport if you look how far away we are from the runway at that hold short line.

[@mentises]

Another great video. Love the review. Hey! What are you using to hold the iPad?

[@FlightChops]

I don't really use a holder for the iPad - I have a tri-fold knee board with a perfect pocket for the iPad mini when I don't need it, and when I do, it is just sitting on my lap. My buddy uses a suction cup RAM mount for his iPad mini - you may have seen it in some of my other videos.

[@coastlineaviation6149]

Great stuff ***** ! Need more now hah

[@stephensauls]

Look up Inov8, best low pro shoe I've found! Great video

[@fargley001]

10:37 NB MT10 may be a good substitute www.newbalance.com/pd/minimus-trail-10/MT10-V1.html#color=Black_with_Silver

[@cobosan]

Great vid, as always! Thanks! As for shoes... try a pair of converse all stars (www.converse.com). I use something similar to the low chuck taylor's when I fly the piper cub and they work great.

[@mattkk]

totally agree. I go with Vans in the citabria!

[@sturvinmurvin9408]

"Oh Good! Why not just add some excitement to it." Cool Instructor.

[@brianofearth]

Love the videos, man. They're inspiring me to go back and finish up my license. Keep 'em coming. On the shoes, you may have already found something that works, but if not, I'd definitely recommend Merrell's "Barefoot" line. I have a pair, and I can honestly say they're as close to actually being barefoot as you can come while wearing shoes. I think they be just what you're looking for.

[@FlightChops]

Awesome thanks - This sort of comment about inspiring some one to get into (or back into) flying, is all the reward I could hope for when making these videos! And yeah, several people are recommending those "barefoot" Merrell's so I am gonna check them out! Thanks.

[@thehoeser]

If you get around to flying a Stearman, you're gonna definitely have to pick the tail up on the roll or you'll end up in slow flight all the way off the end of the runway without climbing.

[@FlightChops]

Cool yeah, I imagine the instruction for the Stearman is quite different than the Cub! I am hoping to get a pile of hours in the Cub before I try that big ol' girl! I am also looking forward to seeing what the differences are in the Chipmunk with you! Summer plans are shaping up and I think several trips to Windsor are in order!

[@thehoeser]

You pick up the tail in the chippy as well, though its not nearly as critical as in the Stearman. Also you need a ridiculous amount of LEFT rudder on takeoff and climb in the chip.. anywhere near Vx you need pretty much full left rudder to keep it coordinated. Looking forward to seeing you in Windsor. I really need to get around to making more videos... I wish I had the go-pro mounted this weekend, had a 20G25kt 80-90deg crosswind in the Tomahawk on Saturday. Greased it on. So disappointed I didn't have camera rolling.

[@FlightChops]

David Carrick Yeah it was pretty winding this weekend. I'm at the point where I just roll the GoPros for every flight. It doesn't always yield amazing footage, but at least when something unique happens, I capture it. I was distracted with my daughter's 5th birthday :P So no flying for me, but it was a ton of fun.

[@jeffshort6766]

Share you thoughts on Flight bag contents for student pilot through private license besides the obvious necessary tools.

[@FlightChops]

Jeff Short for sure, thanks - that's on my list to cover.

[@RainbowManification]

I second the motion, going to start lessons probably in January, doing a ground school course very soon.

[@KevinMcCrackin]

Very cool videos

[@nagargano930]

More please!

[@FlightChops]

cool, glad to hear that people are enjoying this series - I have a lot more of these comings - and I will be flying (and shooting footage) in additional tail wheel types this summer!

[@onthemoney7237]

Try deck shoes thin top and bottom no heels or heel hooks the clean type 👍

[@stupid314]

Revisiting this... what exactly about those shoes was so bad?

[@FlightChops]

Chunky soles that made pedal feel dull and the heels have a pretty big lip that got caught on the edge of the metal floor plate under the pedals. As I built more experience I got better at dealing with less pedal feel if I needed to wear boots, but for initial training, you need all the help you can get.

[@stupid314]

Ahhh ok. That makes total sense. As the winter weather has set in, I've been wearing boots almost every day. The first time I tried flying with them... oh man, we did a little dancing down the runway. Took a few seconds to get used to not being able to feel the pedals against my feet. Super weird feeling but I've slowly gotten more used to it.

[@ottob.884]

olukai noha maku is the best shoe for flying cubs

[@canav8]

To be honest it is not the type of shoe. I often encourage students to use the radiest old shoes they have. The shoes that are warn the most are best and combat those concerns. Glad you mentioned it. Also your instructor should have said why you check idle with the carb heat on. Your checking to see that the engine will not quit. If it quits your engine is not warmed up yet or it poses a possible mechanical problem. Good job on sharing the information. D

[@barnabywhitfield247]

Oh ya and I just wanted to ask…in the cub is it the ideal taildragger trainer in your opinion or do u have another favourite

[@huracan200173]

The "stick to the belly" part during taxi is not quite right... if you have a tail wind while taxing and you do that, you're actually causing the tail to go up. It should be nose down or no elevator at all when you have a tail wind :) great videos!

[@FlightChops]

Javier Llaneza Yeah I asked about this, and Dennis made a good point - he said - pull the stick full aft and have a look at the elevator - it is still level with the ground when in the 3 point attitude... But the prop blast with the nose up is still hitting the elevator to keep the tail down... So the difference forward stick makes when accounting for a tail wind is not enough to worry about as it is more important to keep the tail down to avoid nosing over.

[@huracan200173]

***** Yeah right, it all depends on how strong the tailwind is, of course :) thanks for taking the time to reply man!

[@FlightChops]

Javier Llaneza All good - thanks for watching and adding to the conversation in the comments!

[@nyboardsports]

You should try the barefoot shoes...

[@yoohoonobody469]

Awesome stuff man, you got a subscriber from me

[@jackglossop4859]

The shopping cart analogy falls flat in Britain where 99% of shopping trolleys have four free castering wheels : ) Just had my first taildragger lesson and was shocked to find right rudder did precisely NOTHING with a left handed crosswind. It's like trying to wrestle a gorilla down the taxiway!

[@Mexx1011]

Is the plane ready to fly again or still in maintenance?

[@FlightChops]

I've been assured it will be flying before the end of May. And I have priority booking :)

[@Mexx1011]

That's fine, as long as you keep making those videos ;) I guess I'll drop by in the beginning of June then and see how it's looking.

[@marcyorbust1]

when i first learned it was in a 46 PA-12. december in Alaska the runway was iced over and i was wearing muck boots. i would have traded your shoes for my muck boots in a second.

[@balderbaptista3866]

I want to see tail up taxing!

[@itperdition]

Since you asked, Sketchers makes a shoe just like those you shown. Here is another pair that might be great for rudder control. www.skechers.com/style/64242/relaxed-fit-sorino-pantalone/blk

[@blakebornstein7088]

Ghost at 8:21 top right of cowling. anyone else see it?

[@tjnd69]

nice...

[@WoutervanTiel]

Look for Piloti shoes, I got some 11 years ago, not sure they still exist

[@bobsakamanos4469]

Good video. Nice use of graphics. If you want runners without a squared off heel, try squash shoes. Some people use sailing deck shoes. With those big dawgs of yours, you wouldn't be able to fly a Luscombe I'm afraid. Cheers.

[@FlightChops]

Bob Sakamanos Haha - thanks! I've since found some good shoes similar to what you describe.

[@samsongeorges8376]

I like this vodeo

[@barnabywhitfield247]

I know it's not very wise but to be honest I just prefer a good old pair of slops (flip flops) when I go bush flying but I know it's not good in case u have to ditch u don't want to be walking around the bush in a pair of those.

[@PeterNGloor]

My shoe got stuck, oops

[@vamospeligro]

"An engine is like a candle..."

[@tbas8741]

Why dont they start all airplane Training in that order by design of the training program. Minimum to get GA PPL. (flight hours not including ground work, run up and checklists, i mean time actually flying) 25 hours in learning physics, how planes fly and aviation history. 10 Flight hours in gliders 20 flight hours in a Tail Dragger before even moving onto a tricycle gear plane. XX fight hours in a Tricycle or more to get GA PPL. Cut down Aviation accidents i bet.

[@circuitmonkey6653]

Footwear for a taildragger: ask to see there wrestling shoes.

[@larrysouthern5098]

What about taking off and landing barefoot!!!:)

[@richknudson5137]

I've been really enjoying your channel! I know you have had several shoe suggestions. Here's one more, search Auto Racing Shoes, designed to not have things protruding which can catch on objects. There are many price ranges and styles. Here's one of many sources: www.ogracing.com/

[@j093cub]

Didn't know the super cub had tail wheel lock. That's kinda cheating because the j3 didn't.

[@msblexpress]

Yikes! Teach him to fly the airplane on the ramp. Number one, For the most part the stick should be held forward while taxing downwind, not back. Number two adjust the ailerons so that the upwind wing has down aileron. He should be flying from the moment he leaves the tie down.

[@Axagoras]

Wrong shoes?? More like wrong rudder pedal assembly! Shoes shouldn't get stuck easily.

[@rustyclam238]

Your old shoes were made in China. They have now moved the factory to Taiwan and those shoes there are terrible. I bought a pair of the kind that I wore and I couldn’t figure out Why they were so different until I saw where they were made. I don’t buy them anymore.

[@wheatan1]

Hey there,I fly in similar ( I think) neutral / " barefoot shoes that I found recently Google : Merrell: Cypher Glove SKU# 8176144 Color: Boulder Keep banging out your great vids, the night flight one really helped me prep for my 2 training flights.......hopefully I am 4-5 hours from check tide city. Thanks again. Andy wheatcroft Peoria, Illinois

[@FlightChops]

Glad you enjoyed the night flight, and thanks for the shoe info.

[@Thechist781]

Flying tail dragger is driving stick car equivalent

[@FlightChops]

TheDRIBBLER2 There ya go! I've never heard it put that way, but I like it! :)

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

No, that's complex pitch