Scaring myself - Tail Wheel Flying - Strong Gusting Cross Wind - Ground Loop Risk

[@tunnelrat6809]

So brave to put this content out man. You're really doing the community a service. Thanks again!

[@stevethorne2289]

Thanks!

[@fishpaw53]

Best POV video I've ever seen in my over 50 years of flying...technically and honestly informative with great camera and edit work!! Also loved your naration and the fact you had to land on a good note. GREAT JOB MAN!!! Don

[@THELIFEOFPRICE]

Man being a fellow youtuber with a channel approaching 120,000 subs I wanted to take a second to applaud your hard work work that goes into your editing. the multi angles, the voice overs, the screen shots, man its a ton of work! Much appreciated!

[@FlightChops]

+THELIFEOFPRICE Thanks man! And I just checked out your channel - crazy stuff! Wanna do a video about installing 18" subs into a biplane? :P

[@iancj3b]

Funny finding a basshead comment on a flying video lol

[@timbecker7808]

What makes your videos so good is that you show your mistakes, analyze them and most importantly, you remain humble.

[@AllanMain]

Having several hundreds of Cub hours I made some rules for myself that seem to have worked. 1. You start flying that thing the minute engine starts and stop when the prop stops. 2. Learn to ride a bike before getting into tail draggers, you need the leg muscles and co-ordination. 3. Where ever and when ever possible take the grass. Much more forgiving than the hardtop. I love watching your videos as they bring back a lot of very happy memories. Well done mate.

[@mjparker900]

Love to see the "loosen up the shoulders and feet" on the pre-landing checklist (from the earlier episode). These videos are so valuable - thanks for being brave enough to share

[@forexpro35]

Flight Chops is by far the best flight series on youtube.. Another A+ video and one to file away for the tail dragger days ahead.. No other pilot on YT is willing and able to show us the good with the bad and how important it is to always be trainng and learning. Your the best Chops !

[@FlightChops]

forexpro35 Thanks so much for this awesome comment! I try really hard to share real experiences. As long as people understand that I am just a private pilot sharing my journey as I try to improve, I'm cool with it. Like in this case, I'm focusing on flying the crab on final in the Super Cub in a cross wind, but there are many planes that you're better to fly the slip all the way in... So be sure to confirm with your instructor which is best.

[@rixi757]

And that's how the safe pilots are made..I also prefer landing in challenging conditions :) Great video :)

[@FlightChops]

+Riad Salkanović Thanks!

[@pnzrldr]

Recently TW endorsed in a J5A, and had my first day (with the owner/CFI in back) working tough winds (75 degrees, 6-10 +5 gusts) on Sunday. Tough to accept that some of the go arounds are mandated by conditions, not your piloting skill. It was a great day, and learned a ton. Appreciate all the effort you put into your channel, even 7 years ago. Thanks.

[@eyetvideos467]

This one had my heart racing a bit. Can't wait for MS Flight sim 2020 to come out so I can get a little experience and hopefully get into an actual aircraft in the next few years. I was able to fly a Cessna 172 for about 30 minutes on a test flight after maintenance with a pilot at a small airport I worked at for a few summers. Ever since I've been dying to get back into one. Best 2 hours of my life up in that thing. All I ever got to do was fuel them and watch them land/take off haha. Really fun HS job though. Besides weed eating around runway lights 😕

[@toonybrain]

Nine landings in high xwind - I was exhausted watching you. The protracted stress is draining. Great job in your 8th-landing recovery.

[@baileyjones159]

I talk to myself too when I'm nervous. Good thing you have cameras so you can make it into video commentary :)

[@sonnyburnett8725]

I always did that too. It always made me more aware and alert.

[@davidloganwright4253]

You are doing a great service to the aviation community with your candid videos and commentary. I have well over a thousand hours of teaching TW, mostly in Citabrias. If I might offer a tip that has worked for me: Don't re-trim doing pattern work. If you set your trim for best rate of climb on TO, it should be in perfect trim for the Downwind when you reduce power. When you chop the power for your power off 180 landing, you will need to keep a little bit of back pressure on the stick to keep your wheelie speed. It makes the wheel landing much easier because you are just pulling back to control your rate of decent. When you grease it, just relax the back pressure and the trim will help keep the tail in the air without you having to time a stick forward. It also makes it easier to just add a bit of throttle if you have levelled out a bit high. Hope this helps and, if you have a better method, please share it 🙂

[@JasonTaylorRocks]

While logging my first hour and a half of time, my instructor and I were doing some stall work. I had a pretty good feel for it until we did one with a bit of a tail wind. Bird stalls, tail comes up, and I say "HOLY DOGSHIT" while pouncing on the throttle and yanking back on the yoke. Instructor gave me an "at least you didn't panic!" But for my first official time logged, it was quite The experience! You're right on point with the notion of 'if you're not scared a bit, you're not learning.'

[@FlightChops]

Jason Taylor Thanks Jason, glad you could relate to this one.

[@KerboOnYT]

Great stuff, thanks for sharing the bad along with the good

[@FlightChops]

***** Thanks - that's my mission here :)

[@angleofattack]

I love seeing your scrony, dancing legs! You're working that rudder, bro!

[@FlightChops]

Angle of Attack Haha - thanks Chris!

[@philipbranagan2432]

WOW!!! that was great - I am a retired ATP SW3 Metroliner, Turbo Commander-690 and Citation-500 but I started in the J3 Cub and Airknocker Tri-champ. This takes me back. GREAT JOB - Excellent Vid.

[@alexanderr.246]

The lesson you taught in this video really gave me a different look on flying. It's okay to be freaked out at times when you push your limits and try to sharpen your skills, but too often I'll get (what I call) "The Shaky's". Ending on a good note can give you the immediate opportunity to correct the mistakes you've made on the previous flight. I sincerely believe that not correcting those mistakes immediately can cause a pilot to have a sense of doubt for the next time they're thrown into a similar situation, and sometimes confidence can be the difference between freezing up in an uncertain environment and sticking to your training/gut. I know I'm a little late on watching this one, but the lesson is timeless. Thanks for really highlighting the human element in this video, it's good to see experienced pilot's get back on the saddle after a not-so-perfect landing. As a student pilot, I find channeling your confidence (appropriately) to be an essential skill. Ps. I'm currently in the process of getting my PPL, and most my "flying" is done on FTDs at my work, but man does that #BoseA20 headset look good...

[@130loadmaster]

Great job Steve. I had a similar scare last week with bad aileron correction in a Sundowner. Came in with too much energy had a slight bounce for my landing and without cross wind correction got a gust under the wing and went airborne with a second bounce and it was getting worse. Applied full power on the second bounce up and flew up and away from a certain porpoising situation. My hands and legs were shaking all the way back to final for my next attempt. You are so spot on, the only way to learn is to be scared. But not so scared that you break something.

[@FlightChops]

Greg Foulks Yeah, it's a fine line Greg - Glad you got through your recent scare. I recently heard an awesome quote regarding this sort of thing: "It is fun until the moment that it isn't... hopefully you can survive that moment." Kinda dark, but very applicable.

[@rondc8]

Thought your video was great! After I had my private pilot's license I would not go up flying in a crosswind. One day I thought to myself how stupid it was that I was a licensed pilot but was stopping myself flying if the wind was across the runway so I did the same thing you did, scared myself a little but was the best thing I could have ever done. Crosswinds don't bother me one bit now. Found out the same secret you did, on windy days you can never stop flying the airplane. Thanks again!!!

[@MrJaaplepoole]

I love the way your vlogs transcends it's genre. Learning to fly is like learning to do anything. Fall down, and stand up stronger.

[@ARedCatJoe]

As always, another great video. As a young private pilot enamored with the art of tailwheel flying, this series is gold. I find myself relating my own experiences to the things you talk about, which makes them even better. The video about finding zen on the grass strip perfectly captured what tailwheel flying is when everything clicks. Thanks for the great videos; they're almost like being in the air.

[@FlightChops]

ARedCatJoe Thanks for this awesome comment! I really appreciate it!

[@wn6904k]

Just learned to fly a taildragger, and YES you do not stop flying the plane until it is stipped. So far have not scared myself.....but still have many years of flying to do. GREAT video, thanks for posting !!!!!

[@FlightChops]

+wn6904k Awesome! Glad you found it helpful!

[@sebastiangrimm5671]

Tremendous video! Only having around 25 TDragger hours myself, I totally get what you were through! Kudos for releasing this! I mostly did grass strips with TDs up to today....appears to be a bit easier than concrete due to the additional rolling drag of the grass and less need to hit the breaks! Take care and happy landings!

[@briand4000]

After 500+ hrs of tailwheel time in Skywagons, Citabrias, RV's, etc....I'm convinced that they make you a more precise pilot, because the aircraft DEMANDS it. The ground loop demon is always out there. Keep him at bay with nimble feet and never stop flying it! Nicely done video.

[@AJay-ds3lg]

I used to fly with my uncle in a Piper Super Cruiser when I was a kid. He always let me fly when we were flying a tricycle gear plane, but he never let me touch the controls when we flew the Super Cruiser. I remember almost putting my head through the roof of the plane when landing an an approaching Tstorm. My uncle always remained calm and I never appreciated the skill he had flying that plane until later in life.

[@paterpull]

As a tail wheel pilot (I owned and flew) a Cessna 140) I salute you. I can really understand your feelings during those X wind landings cause man, I been there. Nice job and thanks for sharing.

[@FlightChops]

Pat Glass Thanks Pat.

[@bremms1]

OK, I had to watch this again. Did something similar to your buddy Meron in my friends Champ today. It was my first time controlling a tail wheel. Doing great on my Taxi.. even zig zaging for better vision.. My big feet(13) couldn't jab the heel brake when it swung a bit more than I wanted. No damage.. my friend and I both got on the brakes but the tail went off the taxi way.... He is a CFI and was like "It's all good.. What happened? " I'm thinking I have 9.2 hours in a 172 as a student and my bigg ass feet got caught on the seat frame. I did fly the plane for about 1.5 out of 2 hrs. It takes a lot of concentration to fly the Champ. I have lots of respect for that plane. It was mid day 88 degrees, LOTS of thermals and bumpy as hell. Still a great flight. Even my friend was saying it was a difficult day to fly the Champ. I love aviation. Such a fantastic learning experience. Your videos are great!

[@FlightChops]

bremms1 Thanks! Glad you could relate to this one.

[@DefiantAero]

Outstanding video, as usual! I just got my first taste of tailwheel flying this past weekend in a Taylorcraft BC-12. It's essentially a Cub with side by side seating and a different wing, but the same 65hp to lift 380lbs of pilot/instructor! I read an editorial in Plane & Pilot a while back detailing the difference between Pilot's and Aviators. I've been giving that a lot of thought lately, and one thing that I think sets the two apart is that a Pilot meets the "standard", passes the test, and thinks training is over. An Aviator is perpetually looking for ways to improve, to better understand the airplane and WHY we do what we do, no matter how many hours they have in their logbook. Another point is that a Pilot, for fear of competition, will never admit to mistakes they make. An aviator, with a deeper concern for the aviation community as a whole, will readily share their mistakes with others, as a teaching tool to improve the whole of our art. Your videos set a very good example of how an Aviator should act, if you ask me. Anyway, Keep 'em flyin!

[@FlightChops]

+lonestarreview thanks so much for this awesome comment! It is rewarding to hear stuff like this! And that is a great way to boil down the fundamental differences between pilots and aviators!

[@TheKevintegra19]

Great job coaching yourself through that adversity. Gusting wind cross landing in a tail wheel is extremely challenging, congratulations on your pilot development, keep it going...accomplishments fuel confidence, confidence fuels skill building, skill building fuels accomplishments.

[@joehodgy]

Man I look forward to every other Friday these days. I know I probably underestimate the work required to get a video finished and put it out there but whatever you're doing keep doing it! We all appreciate the time you put in. For me I think I like the way you almost bare your soul in a lot of your commentaries and captions, it's a brave thing to do in the name of improvement (and our entertainment!) but again, keep doing it! Thanks again, Joe

[@FlightChops]

joehodgy Thanks Joe! Yeah, this was a tough one to share. There are some screw ups (like letting Mehran taxi - that was a dumb idea) and I was probably pushing myself a little too hard in those conditions... But yeah, as long as people understand the context of these videos, hopefully there are some valuable take aways for them.

[@sea_turtle_adventures]

Chops.... Wanting to get my pilots license and well, figured youTube would give me some insight into what I am likely to experience.... BY FAR your videos have been the most instructive and realistic available. Keep up the great work!

[@ryanhunt8041]

Just wanted to add a little tip really quick. Anytime you are on the ground ALWAYS keep aileron into the wind. This is especially necessary in light tail wheel airplanes. I have seen and experienced a little gust with neutral aileron that has wanted to pick up the wing. It has torn up planes and scared some people.

[@silver20002000]

That self coaching what you do is is impressive. I wouldnt have gone up immediately again after a scare like that. Good job on that.

[@FlightChops]

silver20002000 Thanks!

[@brianhunt3394]

Great videos, I learn a lot from them. Landing a Cub in a strong crosswind is very satisfying, feeling that into wind wheel touching and then the other and staying on the centerline. Learning how to do that consistently is very humbling and I'm still on that journey.

[@MagnarNordal]

The Cub is my favorite aircraft. I had a scary moment some years ago when I checked out a pilot in an Army Cub. During a landing did he (and I) relax one second too long, and we departed the runway onto an inactive runway that served as taxiway and apron. No ground loop, thankfully, so we taxied back and made a new circuit.

[@JNelson_]

Haven't got my licence yet but I've done some 12 knot crosswind landings and it is quite satisfying when you get the left, right, nose squeaks. Nice flying.

[@adfaero581]

After watching this video, I learned about what happened to me when I first landed a taildragger. Landing a Cessna 140 with an instructor. My last landing for some reason started turning me to the right and off the runway. Luckily with quick reaction (a couple rough corrections, and input from the instructor I'm sure) we recovered. The explanation in this video cleared up so much from what I had experienced almost 2 years ago. Thanks and keep them coming! I think this is the only channel I actually keep up with, haha.

[@FlightChops]

Austin Ford Very cool! thanks Austin!

[@JimForeman]

My way of handling crosswinds in a tailwheel airplane is to establish a slip into the wind on final and holding it all the way to the ground with the axis of the ship lined up with the runway and the upwind wheel and tailwheel touching at the same time. The bank angle can be reduced with the wind gradient to prevent any drift. A steerable tailwheel is more positive than the rudder.

[@flyinshu9419]

Nice video, I have no tail wheel experience, but feel I had learned a lot from your video. In fact, you can get a real feel of what is happening by watching the slip indicator while also keeping a eye on the rudder inputs during the scare vs the following landing. It really gave me a good feel as to what was going on. even without feeling the g load.

[@alanmohlman3530]

Awesome video. I learned to fly in an aeronca 7ac champ. Soloed in 7 hours at age 16. Haven't flown in years for health reasons but the cockpit view caused a flood of emotions....thank you!

[@flightsim481]

Probably the most educational videos on KZbin. Thanks so much for this excellent contribution to the flying world. Huge thanks. Rich

[@FlightChops]

flightsim481 Thanks so much! But I am always cautious about calling any of my stuff "training or educational videos" because I am not qualified... As long as viewers are aware of the context of my being a private pilot sharing "real learning experiences" I'm happy to share :).

[@flightsim481]

***** Hi Flightchops. I have to say that just because one isn't a teacher/instructor doesn't mean others can't find it educational. As such, when I watch your videos, I learn something, not by virtue of 'being taught' but by virtue of someone being open and honest about their own learning and experiences. I had a case of "press on itis" when hours building in a Cessna 152. I was on a cross country, desperate to get home with a worse than forecast headwind. I was keen not to divert because it was a club aircraft, but ended up landing with the fuel gauges on their stops. Every sense was telling me to divert for fuel, yet I didn't. Scared myself witless, and the flying club never told me how little fuel was left, but by my fuel calculations after the event, I would be surprised if there was more than 5 litres usable fuel left. Please don't underestimate your contribution to the community. Happy flying, Rich

[@FlightChops]

flightsim481 Thanks again for the awesome comments - I really appreciate the support. And thanks for sharing your "press-on-itis" story.

[@simcptmike]

I enjoyed this video... it doesn't make you look like a poor pilot, instead to me, it illustrated the fact that you / me / whoever are not impervious to mistakes and that we always have to be vigilant and fly the plane until shutdown. Thanks for sharing! :)

[@FlightChops]

Mike G Thanks Mike! I'm glad you got the full context of this video.

[@colinwallace5286]

Props to you for sharing it all, Steve. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that you have helped prevent any number of incidents through your videos.

[@questionmark7177]

The most honest flying video I've seen. Colorful language for sure but everyone has thought it if not said it if they've done more than 3 landings.

[@FlightChops]

+Question Mark - haha - thanks yeah... I had to share this one... I'm not proud :P

[@farmgene]

Nice video. Shows the discipline required and that tail wheel flying is an art.

[@steveburrington4288]

Great video. TW is no joke and TW training in a crosswind is for the brave and the bold, but entirely necessary to become an excellent pilot.

[@locustvalleystring]

Nice job! Posting all the bumps in the learning curve is VERY informative. Your running self-criticism and fault admissions are so important to the learning process....for you and for the viewer.

[@austinpeel119]

I scared myself that very exact way on my first solo in a pacer. Scary but glass I snapped out of it as well. Nice work!

[@WORRO]

WHoa good stuff bro, thanks for sharing Chops! (big side note.. IM a single Dad with two little ones in the house, and IM saying thank you for the heads up on the profanity, that means a lots to me!) Thumbs up!~~John

[@FlightChops]

WORRO01 Haha - thanks John, and yeah, I wanted to keep it real, but I realize people sometimes watch my videos with kids.

[@WORRO]

Even more respect, Thank you Sir!

[@TinselKoala]

As a glider tow pilot I've got lots and lots of taildragger time. Consider that towing involves typically 5 or even as many as 10 takeoffs (max performance since you are towing another aircraft) and landings per hour of logged time (also max performance landings since you need to deal with the towrope and also get back to tow another sailplane as quickly as possible.) I've got towing time in 150 and 180 hp Super Cubs, 180 hp Bellanca Scouts, Cessna L-19, Piper Pawnees 180 and 235 hp, Cessna AgWagon 300 hp, and a few other types. The Super Cub is my _least favorite_ of all the taildraggers I've flown. Poor visibility, narrow landing gear, frigging Heel Brakes.... I guess it made me a better pilot... but really, I credit my high density altitude L-19 time for that. The Scouts were the nicest and most comfortable, the Pawnee 235 is a decent towplane, but for modern ballasted openclass sailplanes the AgWagon ruled supreme. And the Super Cubs, while carrying a lot of charm and prestige, basically sucked. Heel Brakes! Try standing on those silly little heel brake pedals while hauling full back stick and considerable aileron for taxiing after a full stall short-softfield landing in a 20 knot crosswind while trailing a 200 foot towrope .... twenty or thirty times in a day as fast as you can make it around the patch. Whoooopeeeee!

[@cardioflow]

I am consuming your videos multiple times. I am transitioning from flying Gyrocopters to a J3 Cub. I thought I was Mr. Cool on grass then we changed to asphalt. Hello humble pie. I enjoy your very honest self-assessments.

[@FlightChops]

+cardioflow Thanks for the friendly feedback - and very cool to hear you're watching more than once - good times! :)

[@TrueGUMAR]

Thanks for sharing your experience! How we make it here on Antonov-2 aircraft (the biggest single engine biplane, has 12kts crosswind comp. restriction, but we've done higher) - Sideslipping all the way on final - Only 3-point landing (if heavy crosswind - 1 main and tailwheel attitude is acceptable) Yoke (in your case stick) full aft after touching the ground. That small tailwheel acts like an anchor, it gives you stabilizing moment when it is pushed to the ground by elevator Upwind aileron gradually full up. And NEVER push the upwind pedal, limit your upwind foot movement till neutral.

[@FlightChops]

+Gumar Mustafin VERY interesting! Thanks for sharing your insights! now... how do I get a ride in that Antonov-2 ? :)

[@TrueGUMAR]

In instagram I'm subscribed to @airattack330, he has An-2. Maybe he can give you a ride, because Chelyabinsk is to far from you:)

[@alanmiller5380]

yeah, relaxing the aileron and "driving the car" away from the dirt pile did do something. The adverse yaw of those ailerons is not to be overlooked, it helps counter the weather -vaning tendency if properly held into the wind. Good video, thanks for sharing. Nice to see someone working to master a tailwheel.

[@oldguyflies8256]

Great video. Kind of glad to see that I am not the only pilot that talks to himself! Good to get your mind around what you should be doing in preparation for the landing. Keep them coming.

[@FlightChops]

Henry Dupuis Thanks, and yes, I totally talk to myself - I try to be the voice of my instructor reminding me what to do and what I'm doing wrong. (I filter it a little with passengers on board though :)

[@jsarkozy]

***** I appreciate the self-talk...makes me feel like I am in the plane with you and we are having a conversation :)

[@pccaviationscience6769]

Nice video. I couldn't help moving my feet under my desk watching it. One note on the ailerons: It's not just about keeping the upwind wing down, though that is important. It also helps with keeping you straight; the adverse yaw that is created when you stick that big paddle down on the downwind wing helps counter the weathervaning tendency. I've especially found it true on small taildraggers like super cubs, T-crafts, etc.

[@FlightChops]

Larry Altree Thanks for that insight!

[@troycoffman6834]

Thanks for sharing! Im training for my sport licence in a Bushcat. It is a nose wheel, but I believe they have plans to bring in a taildragger which I would love to get my stripes in. Your perseverance to stick through the landings, and get back on the horse even after scary experiences is an inspiration to me.

[@user-lq3gs7ps8m]

Good stuff man, keep it up. I'll be getting in a tailwheel soon, it's cool to see you progress and I can learn from others mistakes and apply it to my flying. It's nice to see someone not afraid of posting videos where mistakes were made. THAT is where you learn. Cool videos

[@JonnyKlausmeyer]

Awesome flying, my friend! I admire your courage and your "get back on the horse" attitude. My flight instructor always tells me, "...never end on a bad landing. Always do one more, and do it right this time." All tongue in cheek, obviously, but he's right for a lot of reasons. I learn a lot from your episodes. Thanks for sharing!

[@FlightChops]

Jonny K Thanks Jonny - I'm happy to share and glad your instructor shares my feelings about that... never end on a bad note (unless you're shaken really badly, and then I guess you need to accept defeat, but I tent to try to shake it off and get back at it right away.)

[@Copainization]

Awesome job getting experience and correlating proper tech from your prior landings. I would say you are doing it right.

[@FlightChops]

+Copainization Thanks!

[@happysawfish]

Chops! I felt like I was flying it with you. And scared too! These little things will try to get away from you in a flash. Hoping to see a list of "Do's and Don'ts" for Tailwheel instruction. When you can. You are THE MAN

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

I'm so glad that you show that we as pilots aren't perfect and can get ourselves into trouble.

[@philrutherford6486]

Good informative and humble practice secession and brave, great job. . I fly a Ces. 170B and have also scared the crap out of myself. I use the method of establishing my slip before the threshold and just flying that upwind wheel all the way to the ground. I know there are two schools of thought on holding the crab longer vs establishing an early slip method, I've tried both, and this is just what I prefer.

[@110knotscfii]

i like that.. "if you're not slightly scared, you're not learning".

[@flyingfiddler90q]

Yep, everyone who's flown tailwheel very much has scared themselves at least once. My scariest crosswind was about 18G23KT at ~80º off runway heading. I kept control, but I came within about 15 feet of the edge of a 100 foot wide runway.

[@FlightChops]

flyingfiddler Thanks for sharing your story - sorry I seem to have missed this comment until now...

[@bobnewkirk7186]

That last one was beauty ! Light taildraggers always keep you “alert”!

[@FlightChops]

So do heavy ones :P (and thanks:)

[@akkatosh3304]

I just wanted to say, as I begin flying lessons again (last time I did them was at 8 years old) I really like the way you talk through your approaches and everything you do, I may not be flying tail wheel but I really enjoy your vids.

[@acuk5598]

Awesome video! I am a 150hr ppl just looking at doing my tailwheel rating. Learnt a lot from this series, number thing being it looks hard work!!! keep it up.

[@FlightChops]

+Andrew Sheffield Awesome - glad to have been of some help!

[@WillyNilly35]

The only pilot on KZbin that will video himself making mistakes. Then plays them back in slow motion. Im impressed, you are probably a very good instuctor by now! Good Job thats awesome!

[@FlightChops]

I'm not in a rush to become an instructor - but since making this video my tail wheel journey has come a pretty long way! Check out the play list covering my T6 sign off :)

[@WillyNilly35]

@@FlightChops I watched it too! Great Job! What an awesome accomplishment in the tailwheel world. Congrats man!

[@richardstratman2107]

Keep the videos coming - Thanks for sharing for what most people would not share - Great learning

[@FlightChops]

Richard Stratman Happy to share, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jreed1701d]

This is the best video you've made so far! The build up was great. Having gone off a runway once myself due to a tire blow out, I know how scary that feeling of losing control is. I think "You are not going to beat me today Wind Gods!" would make a good T-Shirt. Haha. Can't wait to see you put your jedi skill into a Warbird!

[@FlightChops]

Joshua Reed Thanks! And yeah, I was somewhere between having fun and convincing myself I could handle it that day... As a total tail wheel newbie, it may have been a little cocky to challenge the "wind gods" like that :P

[@rileywoods6801]

I love the haziness. I'll post a video just for you of how my solo X/C turned into 5 mi. Vis. in haze and winds 315 @ 32 G 33 in a C152!. Finally got the GoPro's! The best learning experiences come from our mistakes!

[@arthurpearson3407]

Instructing in Cubs many years ago on grass I had a student that used to do pretty good on the rudders until we got to about 20-30 on landing and then forgot about his feet. We’d veer one way or the other and once it got 15 def off, you couldn’t bring it back without dropping the outside wing, so with the speed just about gone I told him to keep the rudder neutral and the stick back. We worked on that but I sat thru a number of slow speed ground loops, without damaging anything. He finally understood the mantra of fly it till it’s tied down and was able to solo with good safe landings. That was in the days before intercoms so communication was much more difficult.

[@marcusrussell8660]

Amazing you watch these videos and because there is no narration you assume this is easy. Thank You so much!

[@roneill7898]

Nothing like flying low and slow! The Super Cub is an awesome airplane and a ton of fun to fly. This classic is one every pilot should experience. Your video is the next best thing for those who have not yet had the fortune to fly one. Thanks for the great videos and keep up the good work. #BoseA20

[@stephenpugh3507]

I see myself in the exact situation and seeing it through on a good note makes it all the better, my heart is still racing. Good job

[@EvanNadeau]

Hey Chops, I love how you talk to yourself, giving yourself crap and pep talks. Like, "get on the centre line buddy". I do the same thing, so glad I'm not the only one. :)

[@FlightChops]

***** Awesome thanks! I try to look at every flight as a training flight :)

[@Agislife1960]

I noticed when I started teaching people in my Taylorcraft people gravitate to wheel landings, probably because of the better visibility, but my mentor who flew Corsair's in WW2 always said, a good full stall 3 point is worth a dozen wheel landings. If a wind gust hits you with your tail up, you will turn into the wind.

[@BonnerRepublik]

I've watched a ton of your videos but somehow just discovered this five-year-old gem. I have an inactive PPL that I'm considering reactivating and really liked listening to your thought process during these challenging landings.

[@FlightChops]

Right on thanks! Keep in touch as you go through the process of reactivating your PPL!

[@edwardsgavin]

FlightChops, thanks for this video. I'm hoping to get my tail wheel endorsement and this has really helped me understand the risks of ground loop, how it should be dealt with, and what to look out for. Keep the excellent content coming!

[@SomFunk]

Excellent video! I know nothing about flying - except that now I do a little bit more than before :) Being a real outsider, never want to fly a plane, I just kept on watching to the end. Really thoughtful production, including the warning of harsh language! Good, really good.

[@FlightChops]

+SomFunk I really appreciate this feedback! Thanks!

[@thaddeushalstead5430]

Thanks for posting man I'm looking to get my tail wheel endorsement and I'm learning ALOT from your videos and commentary....thank you!!!!

[@FlightChops]

Thaddeus Halstead Right on! I'm happy the videos have helped you!

[@davidweber525]

On hour 7 on tailwheel training and still sweat and cuss. It is really like learning to fly all over again. Your videos are really inspirational and give me some hope that some day, I may actually be able to really fly.....

[@richardpark3054]

Tail-draggers are dynamically unstable while the tail wheel is on the ground: excursions from the straight tend to increase. So, I keep the tail wheel off the ground as much as possible: with the tail flying, you can easily 'fly' criss-crossing the runway centerline, 'fly' on one main, etc. So, I endeavor to get the tail wheel off the ground early on take-off and keep the tail wheel off the ground as long as possible after landing. I begin take off with full down elevator and relax after the tail is flying until I get flying airspeed, then gently pull back until safely airborne. Once clearly climbing, I raise the gear. After landing, as airspeed decreases I start to push the elevator down to keep the tail flying. When it won't fly anymore, the tail settles to the ground and I revert to taxiing. I first flew tail-dragger in my homebuilt 1/2 scale Corsair (without any tail-dragger instruction) and currently fly a Seabee. I've only met a few tail-dragger pilots who employ the same philosophy/techniques. I am always ready to learn and would very much welcome contrary opinion!

[@AC-pm7sn]

Awesome video, again! I was looking forward to this one. I also just picked up "The Killing Zone" by your recommendation and I'm loving it.

[@FalconImagery]

Steve, I can totally relate to your experience learning how to fly the Super Cub and scaring yourself. I've had my PA18-150 for about 10 months now, with a couple hundred landings and 43 hours under my belt, but I'm still learning and still have that occasional scare when landing. Happy feet I keep telling myself on every landing :)

[@irsute8833]

Looked like you had a ton of fun there. Very impressive to see from the inside like that.

[@FlightChops]

irsute8833 Glad you enjoyed riding along... It was some where between fun and scary :P

[@bkrichmd]

What I like about this is the fact that getting scared when things go bad happens to everyone. It's all about returning to proper technique. The other thing I like if the showing the importance of keeping that crosswind correction in while using the rudders.

[@FlightChops]

Brian K Rich MD Thanks for the friendly comment Brian.

[@sixwillwin]

Nice job and video. 15 kt wind is not easy in Cub. Not easy in my AT502 either! All your inflight commentary was good and spot on regarding control input. Never stop flying it. And the occasional go around in a tailwheel a/c will happen.

[@FlightChops]

+sixwillwin friendly feedback appreciated :)

[@williamschuller3088]

Nice video! great to see the input control. I think many people do not realize how much input it takes in a tailwheel.

[@FlightChops]

+William Schuller Thanks!, yeah lot's going on even on a good day... and this was a more challenging than average day :P

[@Kevlux86]

Your last landing made me say aloud, “DUUUUDE WOW!!!” Great example, thank you!

[@billbrisson]

thanks for posting the bad ones as well as the good ones... Pretty sure we learn more from the bad ones! I like to learn from others mistakes... because I won't live long enough to make them all myself.

[@rbrdly]

Jesus. Brave man. Well done. I'm learning to fly at the moment and xwind concerns me. I think I need to snap off a bit more of your attitude and feed off the learning process rather than staying safe in my 'too comfortable' bubble. I ground looped my first solo on a calm day and it took me a while to get over it - hindering progress for a while. Important lesson learned that day. Oh, and are you foxing us? You even had time to reply to a call on short final :)

[@FlightChops]

+rbrdly - thanks for sharing your story - and yeah, potentially I focussing myself by replying to that call short final was a little cocky at that point in my experience level.

[@jburton0001]

Another great video, Steve. I have loved every minute of the tailwheel time that I've been able to accumulate in a Super Luscombe, but have yet to finish the endorsement. You're inspiring me to get off my ass and finish.

[@FlightChops]

Jason Burton Awesome! But make sure you talk to your instructor about any and all questions this video raises before emulating - this is specific to my (limited) training in the Super Cub, and as you can see I'm still learning :)

[@jburton0001]

Of course. I, as all pilots should, adhere closely to my personal minimums, expanding them a little at a time through practice and experience. We're all still learning. Keep up the good work!

[@simrey33]

Your posts are great, fun to watch and informative. I'm also glad I'm not the only person having these conversations with myself on final :)

[@FlightChops]

simrey33 Thanks!

[@Toyuzu]

I flew seven takeoffs and landings in a 27 mph crosswind the day before I soloed in a PA 11 Cub. Welcome to Alaska.

[@jolllyroger1]

The biggest cause of ground loop is letting the trail come down to soon...... With high wing tail dragger the high angle of attack causes huge drag on the wings once you are sideways slightly the wind shadow and effects caused by dihedral makes more drag on the leading wing causing that seeing to drop back and begins the oscillations.... Keeping the tail up as long as possible helps prevent ground loop.... Also toe in of the gear set with tail low will cause drag on the forward wheel and the lag wheel will free roll with less drag The lagging wheel will be pointing straight down the runway while the leading wheel toe in will make its angle scuff the wheel causing drag..... When the tail is in flying position (high) the wheels should have very little toe while when the tail is Down it should have considerable toe in but not so much as to destroy the tires rapidly This set up of toe makes tail dragger very docile on the ground but still you! Must fly the airplane until it's stopped and shut down.... I fly and also fly Radio control..... And the worst group looper I ever had was a fokker Dr1.... THE 3 wings and the very very high wing long gear and non steerable tail wheel made it very challenging (therfore fun) to fly...... When taking off first thing is get that tail up immediately otherwise ground loop When landing keep that tail up until it will no longer fly..... Burps of throttle were used to lift and turn the tail at very low speeds overcoming the non steerable wood skids sideways resistance..... Very fun airplane to fly ..... Ground loops were very common (almost every landing) until I learned to fly the tail. Also the main gear were totally parallel.... Once I bent a v into the main axle giving some toe ground loops were cut considerably..... learning and challenges are awesome

[@froggie6608]

Jeez, I had sweat on my hand just holding the mouse! Good flying, great video.

[@willallen847]

"Wiggle the toesies" is in an old book my dad gave me back in the day. When you're on long final, wiggle your toes and wiggle your rudder. After my final set of GUMP's on final, I add in the wiggle to loosen up my feet.

[@FlightChops]

Will Allen Yup - Dennis trained me to add "loosen up" to teh down wind check.

[@vermin1970]

Similar panic situation happened to me in my ultralight, I wasn't completely inexperienced, but still kinda low hours. Was practicing patterns and touch and gos, it started getting gusty, I should have stopped but decided to do one more, I came in and just before touch down, a gust blow me off center, there was a huge tree next to the strip that I was now headed for. I tried flying it back to center, no good, so I dropped it on the ground and then tried to hit the brakes. (with my right foot). My first and only ground loop ensued. Luckily, no damage other than some bean plants and my ego.