Wheeler or 3 point?

[Mogas]

I would be very interested to hear from all the taildragger pilots out there regarding the pros and cons of wheeler versus 3 point landings, particularly light taildraggers like Bushbaby, Kitfox and so on.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

I 3 point the cubby. It does not like xwinds. Have tried to wheel it on with instructor but neither of us could do it repeatedly successfully. The 3 pointers were consistently what you would call landings as opposed to the wheelers which were more like arrivals... the transition to tail down always exciting when there any gusts...

2c

[Mogas]

How good is the rudder authority on the cubby? Do you still have good rudder when the tail won't stay up?

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Can't remeber. Have not flown it in a year. (been getting O/H and every time we ready to go something else needs ordering and replacement.) From memory the rudder auth is not bad. Sorry for K@K answer... Will advise once I have driven it again hopefully soon.

On the RV I do combination of the 2. Set up for 3 point (full flat) and then wheel it on at touchdown. Works well if speeds are exactly right and winds light. If all else fails 3 point at the stall does the trick. Rudder Auth is good as are brakes and steering (when they work)

[Mogas]

Thanks for the input.
When I learned we mostly did wheelers, standard safe landing for the bushbaby seems to be a nose high wheeler. "Check forward" at the right time easily sorts out bounce.
I now 3 point at stall speed most of the time, very satisfying when it all comes together.

[CloudDancer]

Three pointer touch down "just" before the stall in Bushbaby. Needs good timing though

[Mogas]

Thats the cool thing about tailwheel landings, lots of variation to keep the fun light on!
New variation: Get behind the drag curve when crossing threshold, nose high and about 3000 rpm gives good elevator and rudder authority with slow speed. Touchdown tailwheel first.

[Quentin Ferreira]

Try with a radio controll plane 1st to practice your landings!!!


Quentin Ferreira
Zu-ATP
Newcastle

[Boet]

Rule of thumb: Smooth weather, no wind or wind straight down the RW. = 3pointers.
Kak weather and crosswind, or very strong wind = Wheelers. :D