flytoboat
Well Known Member
**Disclaimer** This post is not intended to rekindle flames from old debates, but is one man's thought process to a final decision.
I have been thinking about the nosewheel/tailwheel debate in my head for several months and couldn't quite make the final decision. My gut tells me that probably the most sensible thing for me would be to build an "A" model. There is also a part of me that would like to say I fly a tailwheel. Since I have never flown in a conventional gear plane, I really have nothing to compare against, but I do believe that the tricycle arrangement is inherently a safer design. Of course the RV "A" model pole-vaulting debate is in the back of my mind also. The bottom line I believe, for either of these arguments is your level of training, technique, and personal preference.
Of course any decision about your airplane should be made with your mission in mind.
So this morning I'm reading a post by Mel in this thread:
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=36290
where he says: ?The airplane doesn't know where the landing gear is when it is flying anyway."
I immediately thought that since the airplane doesn't care, why should I? I'm building a flying machine - not a taxiing machine. I think the best plane FOR ME is an A model and will save me time and money (getting tailwheel endorsement & possibly insurance rates)
So Thanks Mel for your (unknowing) help in my making another decision in this seemingly endless decision making process. I hope I can meet you and buy you a beer someday.
I have been thinking about the nosewheel/tailwheel debate in my head for several months and couldn't quite make the final decision. My gut tells me that probably the most sensible thing for me would be to build an "A" model. There is also a part of me that would like to say I fly a tailwheel. Since I have never flown in a conventional gear plane, I really have nothing to compare against, but I do believe that the tricycle arrangement is inherently a safer design. Of course the RV "A" model pole-vaulting debate is in the back of my mind also. The bottom line I believe, for either of these arguments is your level of training, technique, and personal preference.
Of course any decision about your airplane should be made with your mission in mind.
So this morning I'm reading a post by Mel in this thread:
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=36290
where he says: ?The airplane doesn't know where the landing gear is when it is flying anyway."
I immediately thought that since the airplane doesn't care, why should I? I'm building a flying machine - not a taxiing machine. I think the best plane FOR ME is an A model and will save me time and money (getting tailwheel endorsement & possibly insurance rates)
So Thanks Mel for your (unknowing) help in my making another decision in this seemingly endless decision making process. I hope I can meet you and buy you a beer someday.