Pilot Briefing Seminar - Flying a Tail Dragger (the Citabria) UPDATED

Flying a Tail Dragger Pilot Briefing Seminar
PFC Classroom
Saturday February 14, 2009
9 AM Sharp

The new American Champion Citabria Model 7ECA is online at PFC, and the policy has been worked out by Clark and others at the club. To introduce members to unique characteristics of this aircraft, we are holding a Pilot Briefing Seminar at PFC on Feb. 14, 2009. This will be presented by Cam Friesen, who along with Dan Martens are the designated instructors on the Citabria.

The standard configuration of landing gear on aircraft prior to and during WWII was the tail wheel configuration. The tricycle gear configuration (like that found on the C-152 and C-172) was gradually introduced as sealed runways were adopted. To differentiate the two types of landing gear configurations, the tail wheel configuration became known as the conventional gear configuration.These days, it is commonly called tail wheel configuration or tail dragger.

It is invaluable to understand why the tail dragger behaves differently from a tricycle gear aircraft. It is when the wheels are in contact with the ground that things change. First, the centre of gravity (C of G) relative to the main wheels of the tail dragger places the aircraft in a high angle of attack situation at the start of the takeoff roll and on the landing roll-out. During the takeoff and landing, it also wants to deviate laterally from straight line instead of returning to a straight line during the roll. In addition, there are some differences in the flight characteristics compared to a Cessna high wing aircraft. Further differences between the Citabra and other club aircraft are;

• the seating is not side by side, but is Tandem
• there is a Control Stick instead of a Control Column
• the aircraft does not have flap (remember side slips?)
• it is a fabric covered aircraft

Understanding these and many other concepts are crucial to learning how to fly this aircraft. The one thing that is certain is that learning how to fly a tail dragger will greatly improve your flying skills. So sign up for the Pilot Briefing Seminar with dispatch and book a flight in the Citabria with one of the designated instructors. Please signup with Dispatch if you will be attending this seminar.

Pictures from the Seminar, courtesy of Ted Almas.

Cam Friesen kicked off the Pilot Briefing Seminar, with Paul Harris in the far left getting ready to give the theory part of the session. There were 29 people in attendance for the Seminar.

Cam Friesen showing everybody the walk around for the Citabria.