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We found taxiing in very much wind or steering at slow speeds tricky at first, because the tailwheel unlocked quite easily and weather-cocking was an issue at times. Of course with generous application of the brakes, and some practice, we soon had it figured. Has anyone adjusted their unlocking spring to give additional steerage? Does this propensity to unlock create any issues we should know about before one's first flight? I guess I am just too used to a Cub without an unlocking catch. Thanks, Jonathan.
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Hi Jonathan,
Your tailwheel shouldn't unlock unless your tail wheel is turned 30 degrees left or 30 degrees right. If the tail wheel is facing straight ahead and you are taxiing in a straight line, it shouldn't unlock.
If it is unlocking when not turned, then you can try removing the lock string and stretching it a bit to make it stiffer, but I haven't heard of this happening. -
Spring, not stringComment
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Yes you're explaination is what I experienced - it doesn't unlock when it's not turned. But it can unlock when you're not moving.
What was happening was it would twist on the spot and unlock when I stopped at a holding point with a bit of x-wind. I'd feel in unlock in the pedals. When I go to taxi off again, you're straight into a sharp turn into wind unless you jump on the opposite brake quite enthusiatically. Which is fine when you know it's coming, and if you can give it a bit of power to help straighten up again then it's no problem, just not something I am used to I guess.Comment
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