04.01.2010, 12:21
Hello,
In addition to the advice already given by others here, there is another aspect to pay attention to, that might make take-offs in single-engine, tail wheel equipped aircraft easier. When you are lined up for take off, before you rev up your engine, check in outside view whether the tail wheel of your aircraft (say, for example, a P-40, Bf-109, or an A6M-Zero) is lined up with the long axis of the plane (the fuselage). If it is, press the command for "lock tail wheel." This will provide additional directional stability during your take-off run for as long as the tail is still on the ground. Just don't forget to unlock the tail wheel after landing, in order to prevent some nasty taxiing accidents.
Good luck! Don't give up! You'll figure it out eventually, like the rest of us.
Regards,
RB
P.S. If you are not already doing so, I recommend using a force-feedback joystick. This will help you to get a better "feel" for engine torque and how to use your aircraft's control surfaces (rudder) to compensate.
In addition to the advice already given by others here, there is another aspect to pay attention to, that might make take-offs in single-engine, tail wheel equipped aircraft easier. When you are lined up for take off, before you rev up your engine, check in outside view whether the tail wheel of your aircraft (say, for example, a P-40, Bf-109, or an A6M-Zero) is lined up with the long axis of the plane (the fuselage). If it is, press the command for "lock tail wheel." This will provide additional directional stability during your take-off run for as long as the tail is still on the ground. Just don't forget to unlock the tail wheel after landing, in order to prevent some nasty taxiing accidents.
Good luck! Don't give up! You'll figure it out eventually, like the rest of us.
Regards,
RB
P.S. If you are not already doing so, I recommend using a force-feedback joystick. This will help you to get a better "feel" for engine torque and how to use your aircraft's control surfaces (rudder) to compensate.