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tedweitz
Joined: 28 May 2011
Posts: 2
Location: Ri Rancho NM
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 Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 11:06 am Post subject: Can the Monowheel be suitable for the tarmac |
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Hi I am a [proud] new owner of a classic Europa Monowheel from Rio Rancho NM. Since there are no grass strips around here I have been working on landing the Monowheel on Paved runway and found it very chalanging. This difficulty planted some doubts in me as to wether the Monowheel can be ever trusted to be safely, consistently landed on paved runways. While somewhat rusty I have 200h+ of tailwheel time mostly in aerobatic biplanes [Acrosport, Pitts] and monoplane [Sokhoi] I was surprised to realized how chalanging the Europa Monowheel landings were -[The first day it was with 12 - 15 Knots variable wind but the second one was with calm wind] I plan to take some more dual time but are starting to wonder if byond the learning curve, would the Europa Mono ever be a safe plane for me to fly around here and in x country [NM is a pretty windy place] I would truly appreciate hearing the members feedback. I would also love to find other Europa owners in my relative vicinity. Thanks a bunch, Ted I. Weitz Rio Rancho NM [quote][b]
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pete(at)lawless.info
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| Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 1:31 pm Post subject: Can the Monowheel be suitable for the tarmac |
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Ted it is a pussy cat on tarmac. You just need to not pull the stick all the way back on landing until after you have touched down (other wise the tail touches first and it bounces) and be very light on the ailerons on the ground so you don’t put much pressure on the outriggers. Its easier than a Cub.
Regards
Pete
G-RMAC 912 Classic
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hansjd(at)online.no
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| Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 2:00 am Post subject: Can the Monowheel be suitable for the tarmac |
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Hi Ted!
Welcome to the Europa family. Your problems in handling your Mono wheel on the ground must be a result of poor instruction during your check-out, a problem which have inflickted this beautiful design in the past - by ignorance or otherwise.
Just remember one thing: During ground handling the tailwheel must be nailed to the ground at all times, PERIODE! In other words: controllstick all the way back to enhance positive control. (OK - during taxiing in windy tailwind conditions it's appropriate to ease forward to let the wind press tailplane downwards). Stick in your lap goes for take-off's as well. When at 35 - 40 kts ease forward just a little and your'e airborne. On landing go for the classic tre-point at ALL TIMES- easing all the way back after touch down. This goes for x-wind landings as well.
You have absolutely NO lateral steering capacity as on conventional tailwheel aircraft - like a Cub where you smartly turn around using your brakes. Your ONLY positive steering below flying speed is your tailwheel!!
Above all: Unlearn your tailwheel skills regarding the use of toe/heel (Cub) brakes, and concentrate on the hand brake in consert with your tailwheel steering. Taxi slowly until you get the hang of it (in moderate to high winds always have a feel for where the wind comes from and move ever so slowly!).
Accept wery little x-wind in the beginning and build up experience gradually. A grassfield is also much more forgiving than concrete.
The Europa Mono is a marvelous design and a beauty to fly. Once you have the hang of it you will love it! But be patient, and accept that you have to be tuned to your learning curve. As always: Practice and experience is the only way!
Cheers
Hans, LN-HJD #334.
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stephan(at)scassel.se
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| Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 4:11 am Post subject: Can the Monowheel be suitable for the tarmac |
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Hi Ted,
Yes you can !
With right training and approach there is no problem.
Before I took my first flight in my Europa Mono I had at least 150
takeoff/landings with Cub. Numbers of hours on a trail dragger are not
important. Number of landings are.
Pete Jeffers came over from England and checked me out and that was very
valuable. Without a proper training course I have probably ground looped
at the very first flight.
The best advices, I can think of, are:
1. Have many landing on a conventional trail dragger first (you already have)
2. An experience mono pilot as instructor
3. Always land the mono with both wheel touching the ground at the same
time. Tail wheel slightly first will work if the airspeed is not too
high .
4. Aim for 55 knots on threshold. If you find your speed too high: Go around
5. Pitch attitude is important. Do not pull the stick fully back prior to
landing (as you do with Cub)
Memorize the pitch attitude. Make a reference between cowling and runway
when you are lining up for takeoff.
6. Takeoff: Always keep the tail wheel on ground. 30-35 knots release the
stick pressure slightly but keep tail wheel on ground until airborne
7. #6 is important when taking off in crosswind. Andy Draper told me
this technique and it works great.
8. First 100 landings: max 6-7 knots cross wind
When I approach an airfield that offers both grass and tarmac I always
land on tarmac: tail wheel has much better grip on tarmac then on grass.
Grass fields are often more bumpy then tarmac. But for the very first
flight grass is probably best.
Check that the control cables is tight connected to the rudder horn. Both
springs should be compressed about 8-11 mm.
REMBER: The tail wheel/rudder is the key control.
During my first four years with my mono I have conducted about 400
landings. Many landings that I am trying to forget but also many that I am
happy with. Europa Mono is not the beast many tri gear pilots talks about.
Mono is different and needs training. Just like your first bicycle ride.
Best of luck!
Stephan Cassel
LN-STE
Flying a mono is living. Everything else is waiting
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