>Is it practical or even sensible (during taxi trails) to accelerate >until you can get the tail up and run like that for a few seconds? >>Do we need a tail wheel lock on a KR? >Steve J +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
The weather was cool when I started my taxi test and my cowl setup gives me great engine cooling, maybe because of the prop extention, so I could do ground runs for up to 20 minutes without an engine temp problem. I started with slow taxi and continued to work the speed up until I was getting the tail up and running for 200 to 400 feet before letting it settle again. You have to be just right on the power at that point or you're going to fly. I probably made 30+ high speed runs before my first flight although my total taxi test was maybe two or three hours on the runway. CAUTION: Don't even think about taking the airplane to the runway unless it is TOTALLY ready to fly. It can easily get airborne during high speed taxi testing. When it comes time for the first flight you should be comfortable on the takeoff run all the way through tail up. At that point you just hold full power and in the matter of a few seconds you're airborne! Tailwheel lock? Don't even consider it. When the wheel is on the ground you want the steering control and when it comes off the ground it makes no difference. I do like my steerable, full swivel, tailwheel for ground handling. I'm using the "Maule" tailwheel spring kit that is a spring within a spring (compression, I think) and it seems to work o.k. Larry Flesner
