Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Guys,
I was out flying with a heavy friend(220 lbs) this morning and found that with only a 1/4 tank of fuel at the end of the flight it was real hard to do a decent landing. The approaches were pretty conventional( 80-85 mph) but upon flaring the tail wanted to drop out rather quickly. Anyone else experienced anything like this? If so what is the solution to landings that aren't so exciting? I checked the numbers and the CG is ok but at the back of the envelope.

Jim Mantyla

Yep, you are correct. It is a little harder making a landing with aft CG. I carry power on final and fly it to the runway, still not as pretty as a forward CG landing.

Jim, I did the same yesterday. I flew a 230+ lb passenger and as usual, touchdown on the tailwheel first but the mains were a little high and we bounced. I have a light engine and the near aft CG can be a bugger at times.

_________________
Patrick
T-18 N8AL