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The Compleat Taildragger Pilot

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By Harvey S. Plourde The Truth About Taildragger Flying This is the first New book devoted to the fast disappearing art of Taildragger Flying in 18 years. It's written by a pilot for pilots. Based on the author's experience 28 years of taildragger flying 17 years of teaching their preferred handling techniques It contains new material Torque Cross Wind Landing Gear P-Factor Crabbed Crosswind Landings Special Information for CFI's Learn the techniques which will help make you a skilled taildragger pilot! Save time and money on your taildragger checkout!

263 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1991

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62 people want to read

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Joshua Betcher.
8 reviews
April 12, 2021
This book is very well written: informative, easy to understand, and fun to read. Some of the explanations used are quite humourous so they are easy to understand and easy to remember!
Profile Image for Nicholas Kokolakis.
95 reviews
April 23, 2021
A great opportunity to expand my trail dragging knowledge base. The info regarding crosswind and crabbed landing techniques and CFI checkouts was super valuable as were the lessons on the bounce. I do that all the time in the porter field. I need to slow it down on final and not carry the extra energy!
Profile Image for Andrea Robinson.
719 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2023
Very helpful in understanding the tail wheel compared to tricycle gear. Now if I can make it all happen.
Profile Image for Don Tom.
11 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2024
Excellent overview of the physics and procedures of tailwheel flying. Harvey boils concepts down into ideas that are easy to understand and easy to take into the airplane.
Profile Image for Jeff.
153 reviews7 followers
May 20, 2020
“The Compleat Taildragger Pilot.” H. Plourde 1991. Is it really necessary to have a whopping two hundred and sixty eight pages dedicated solely to take offs and landings in conventional landing gear
aircraft? YES, is the unequivocal answer! In fact, although it would have probably exceeded the authors first hand operating knowledge, it would have been nice to have additional chapters on high performance aircraft, as in WWII fighters, and also multi engine operation. The author’s engineering background and his many hours of instructor pilot flight time really shines in this very technical, yet simple to understand book.
Profile Image for Andris.
11 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2014
Very clear writing and explanations. Loved seeing the formulas to understand the "why" behind it all. I think it'll be a helpful head start on getting a tailwheel rating.
Profile Image for Aidan Garcia.
Author 1 book2 followers
August 26, 2018
A great book of glorious insights on the physics and difficulties on flying a taildragger. This man knows the ins and outs of this world and will give you all the needed tips and tricks!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

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