Taxi up hill in a breeze

[Vance]

Originally Posted by SandL

Any thoughts advice, experience ?
Bensen Merlin, Dragon wings, wunderlich
Thanks

Hello Peter,

On The Predator I installed a bicycle brake that grips the ring gear and I prefer to taxi with the blades stopped particularly if it is gusting.

I found in gusty conditions as the blades slow I sometimes ended up with one of the blades sailing and having to put stronger control inputs than I would like to manage the rotor tip path.

I don’t pre-rotate until I have done my run up and am at the hold short line.

I have taken off with the brake on more than once and it does not seem to hurt anything other than lengthening the take off roll a little.

I find value in being cautious and I applaud your desire to not look the fool.

Thank you, Vance

[NoWingsAttached]

Vance:

In my tandem Air Command, with (locking) hydraulic brakes and rotor brake, I do as you do. I wait until I am at the stop line on the approach before spinning up.

The Bee and the tandems are two totally different animals on the ground, as well as in the air.

Not only does the Bee stop better with a rotor turning, it also taxis far better. Everything about ground handling is better with the rotor spinning. The short wheelbase is very squirrelly, compared to the long wheel base like the Dominator, Air Command and Predator tandems.

There are many times when i will balance on the Bee mains if taxiing any significant distance to get the nose off the ground, so I can taxi faster and not worry about the squirelly short wheel base wandering all over the place. My runway is 5000' long, and if I have to go all the way to the other end it can be rather boring otherwise.

I wouldn't recommend taking off with a rotor brake engaged.

[Alan_Cheatham]

Tractor gyros which are typically taildraggers can have this problem and usually require additional forward travel of the head/stick to compensate. This may be the best solution for rotor control especially if your field is rough as taxing with the rotor stopped is not desirable.

.

[Steve McGowan]

Just get another hangar,, if that's a possibility..sooner or later something is gonna get bent on the up or down hill trip..

Steve

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by Steve McGowan

Just get another hangar,, if that's a possibility..sooner or later something is gonna get bent on the up or down hill trip..

Steve

Steve - where we fly it would be easier to lower the runway than get another hangar!