Description
Author: David Robson
ISBN: 1-56027-460-3
Many vintage airplanes, aerobatic planes, cropdusters, and ultralights are taildraggers, which means there are a large number of pilots who need to learn these particular skills and techniques. Written in plain language with many clear illustrations to explain the dynamics and techniques, Conventional Gear provides a thorough foundation of knowledge for the pilot seeking a tailwheel endorsement. It presents the combined experience of thousands of flight hours by civilian and military pilots who grew up flying airplanes with conventional gear. Softcover, 220 pages, illustrated, indexed.
The original configuration of an airplane's landing gear was tail wheel. Only during World War II did the nose wheel become common, when longer runways were required for takeoff with heavy loads. After the war, the tricycle landing gear layout became standard, but the traditional arrangement has always been known as "conventional" gear.
The tail wheel configuration is lighter, simpler and offers less drag. It is also better for rough-field operations. Therefore many crop dusters, aerobatic airplanes and ultralights are taildraggers. However, conventional gear does introduce more demands on the pilot, especially during takeoff and landing, and in strong winds. A taildragger is more difficult to operate on the ground because the center of gravity is behind the main wheels; it therefore tends to deviate from a straight path during taxi, takeoff and landing. Because taildraggers demand more piloting skill, flying one well is a sign of a good pilot.
If you want to fly a warbird, antique or a modern airplane with conventional gear, this book tells you how in a simple, clearly illustrated manner. It begins with the theory and dynamics of a tail wheel airplane, then describes the piloting techniques needed to safely fly a taildragger. The book concludes with a fascinating collection of stories about what it is like to fly some of the common and not so common airplanes with conventional gear...stories by old hands that otherwise could only be found in a good session of hangar flying.
Also by David Robson: Transition to Twins: Your First Multi-Engine Rating; Skydancing: Aerobatic Flight Techniques
Product Reviews
Shipping & Returns
Shipping (USA)
Shipping is available via UPS or USPS and most items ship within 24 hours if the order is placed between Sunday and Thursday. Orders placed after 11am EST for USPS and after 2pm EST for UPS my not ship the same day. If your order comes in prior to that Monday through Friday, we try to get it out same day. All USPS shipments are picked up by Noon Monday through Friday. All UPS shipments are picked up by 3pm EST (sometimes earlier) Monday through Friday.
Any date estimates on shipping are provided by the shipping companies and do not include processing time, please be advised of that when making your shipping decisions. Their estimates do not factor in weekends, holidays, or processing time.
If you are local to SkySupplyUSA (New Castle, PA - about an hour north of Pittsburgh and an hour south-east of Cleveland), please feel free to stop in during our business hours Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm EST. If you know exactly what item you're looking for, give us a call and we'll have your items pulled at the front counter!
We can also ship with your FedEx or UPS account number, please call us for more information on those options.
Please also note that the shipping rates for all items we sell are weight-based. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound. We realize this sometimes causes inflated shipping rates when ordering a large quantity of items, so if you feel that the estimator is giving you an outrageous shipping quote, feel free to reach out and we can double check.
Expedited Shipping (UPS Next Day, 2nd Day, or 3 Day)
Orders placed after 2 PM EST will be shipped the next business day.
UPS does not pick up on Saturday or Sunday, so all weekend orders will ship on Monday.
International Shipping
We can ship to almost any destination in the world. International customers must understand that all packages are shipped after a (3) day Review period and must clear customs in your country. The amount of time to do so varies from country to country and we have no control of the package during that time.
Customs, Duties, and Taxes (International)
You are responsible for assuring that the product can be lawfully imported to the destination country. When ordering from SkySupplyUSA, the recipient is the importer of record and must comply with all laws and regulations of the destination country. Orders that are shipped to countries outside of the United States may be subject to import taxes, customs duties and fees levied by the destination country. The recipient of an international shipment may be subject to such import taxes, customs duties and fees, which are levied once a shipment reaches your country. Additional charges for customs clearance must be borne by the recipient; we have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be. Customs policies vary widely from country to country; you should contact your local customs office for further information. When customs clearance procedures are required, it can cause delays beyond our original delivery estimates.
Returns Policy
You must call or email for an RMA number. No refunds on unauthorized returns.
We offer a 30 day return period. Returned items must be in "brand new" condition and in its undamaged original packaging to be eligible for return. Spark plugs must be in their sealed plastic sleeves. Opened sleeved spark plugs are not returnable. There will be a 20% - 40% restocking fee on all non-defective products. The restocking fee varies from product to product. Special order items are not returnable.
You must pay the return shipping costs. If the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.), we will refund it once the item has been returned in new condition and the issue is verified. Please note that computer software that has been opened or activated cannot be returned. Defective software will be replaced with the same product as purchased. All shipping charges will be paid by the buyer.
Refunds cannot be guaranteed for non-trackable shipping.
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If your item includes a manufacturers return policy that differs from SkySupplyUSA policies, you will need to contact them directly to resolve your issue.
