Rusty Pilots

The weight of the engine is only significant in that it is part of the center of gravity of the aircraft, which naturally lies aft of the main gear in a taildragger. Therein lies the problem, especially while landing. That center of gravity, without interference, will travel in a straight line when in motion, according to Newtons First law, which is often called inertia. It is imperative that we keep the airplane (longitudinal axis) tracking and aligned with that same straight line.

Editorial Staff

Sunday, August 04, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Ground loops in taildraggers occur when the center of gravity, located aft of the main gear, pushes ahead after the aircraft loses alignment with its direction of motion, emphasizing the need to keep the longitudinal axis tracking straight.
When flying with children, manage ear pressure by limiting climb and descent rates to no more than 500 fpm, and encourage swallowing or feeding infants to aid ear equalization.
ADS-B In traffic data (TIS-B) can exhibit inaccuracies, such as erroneous altitude reporting or "ghost" targets, and should be considered an advisory service only, not a substitute for visual vigilance or required traffic systems.
Pilots of single-engine aircraft should avoid flying over large bodies of water unless land is within gliding distance, prioritizing safety over minor time savings due to the significant risks of engine failure.

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I always enjoy Mike Hart’s articles, and his well-thought-out approach ensures that those two rusty pilots (“A New Homebuilt And Rusty Pilots” June 2019) have received some excellent preparation as they return to flying. Mike’s explanation on the ground loop needs some clarification, though.

The weight of the engine is only significant in that it is part of the center of gravity of the aircraft, which naturally lies aft of the main gear in a taildragger. Therein lies the problem, especially while landing. That center of gravity, without interference, will travel in a straight line when in motion, according to Newton’s First law, which is often called inertia. It is imperative that we keep the airplane (longitudinal axis) tracking and aligned with that same straight line.