Spin out on landing

[Hopper64]

Still having trouble landing the spitfire without spinning around as the plane slows down. I locked the tail wheel but no change. I almost come to a stop and the plane spins on me. Can’t figure out what I am doing wrong. Ideas? Thanks.

[dburne]

Gently off and on braking, dancing oh so slight on the rudder pedals. Just a very slight continuous left/right as it rolls. I also hold full back stick to keep pressure on the tail wheel down. Don't think the Spit has locking tail wheel does it? Can't say for sure, but if there is I apparently do not engage it.

 

I usually will let it roll for just a bit before starting applying the braking.

 

Edit: Yep it does not have a tail wheel lock, from the " Aircraft Flight and Technical Specs" for the Spit Mk Vb.

 

- Airplane tail wheel rotates freely and does not have a lock. Since the landing gear wheels are relatively close to each other, it is necessary to confidently and accurately operate the rudder pedals during the takeoff and landing.

 

 

Edited May 29, 2018 by dburne

[Poochnboo]

38 minutes ago, Hopper64 said:

Still having trouble landing the spitfire without spinning around as the plane slows down

If you want to sound like a "real pilot,"...then what you're reffering to is a groundloop. Taildraggers are notorious for them. I still can't land the MiG 3 without ground looping it. No matter how careful I am!

[Hopper64]

Thanks guys. I will try those suggestions. Appreciate the help.

[dburne]

8 hours ago, Hopper64 said:

Thanks guys. I will try those suggestions. Appreciate the help.

 

You are welcome, the best thing is just practice, practice, practice. You will get the feel for it and get into the groove.

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[DD_Perfesser]

There is something of a visual trick where you let your eyes go out of focus so you're more aware of your peripheral vision. This will make you react quicker on the rudder and stop the weave before it goes too far to save but you still have to be right on top of it till you stop.

And of course more brakes makes your rudder inputs more effective. The differential braking system is slaved to the rudder.