1. posterid:2015991
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Re: Ground AoA/ tailwheel angle

Sam Hoskins
 

Troy , I have to apologize. I was heading out to the hangar for a few things and I meant to measure my deck angle, that is, the angle on top of the fuselage just aft of the firewall.

I forgot.

I don't know how important it is with a tail dragger, really.  For me the main thing is to be able to see over the engine on rollout.  And for that, my tail spring is pretty muck in line with the fuselage.  Like this: https://q-list.groups.io/g/main/photo/115659/1394126?p=Created%2C%2C%2C100%2C2%2C0%2C0

Sam

On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 12:04 AM Troy Zawlacki <troyzc3@...> wrote:
Q-pilots,

I have a question about the ground angle of attack note in the Q2 appendix "plans changes.” The note calls for setting WL15 level, and measuring from the ground to the bottom of the tailwheel. It gives a recommended range of 25-28.6” for this measurement.

I am well versed in the Gall wheel alignment, and have just completed that on my plane. I am also pretty sure this note pre-dates the issues that were solved with the Gall alignment, but the Gall paper also doesn’t give an adjusted range for this tailwheel measurement.. There must still be a range right?

Plus, too much AoA on the ground would mean more drag during takeoff and longer runway required right?

Sam,

I read your blog post about changing your tailwheel angle back shallower for reduced drag (and since you have a proper alignment now). Do you have any idea what this measurement ended up being on your plane (ground to wheel)? My plane right now with the tail spring sitting in what looks right (parallel to top fuselage shell) has a measurement of 33” or 4.5” higher than the plans note.

I’m excited to hear some thoughts on this before I bond my tail spring in.

TAZ
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