Whatever happened to...

[Zwilbelturm]

discipline in using proper control deflections during taxi?

I witnessed a 'hands-free' taxi all the way to the runway this morning going for a ride in a buddy's nose-dragger this morning, and it completely blew my mind.

[iflyforpie]

What were the winds doing? If I am in a light nose dragger, I generally won't use control deflections unless I can feel the effects of the wind on the aircraft.

Tail draggers are a different story.

[Zwilbelturm]

In my opinion, the winds shouldn't matter, assuming we're talking about light piston singles. I've seen on a number of occasions, generally sloppy airmanship with regards to care an handling of an airplane. Most were pilots a couple dozen or a hundred hours out of flight school. Granted, the pilots are inexperienced, but I can't fathom how the airmanship qualities have ceased to be passed down by way of the more experienced instructors one is bound to run into over the completion of a license.

[Shiny Side Up]

Granted, the pilots are inexperienced, but I can't fathom how the airmanship qualities have ceased to be passed down by way of the more experienced instructors one is bound to run into over the completion of a license.

You're new here aren't you?

Was this the only time you witnessed this display of lack of disipline?

[iflyforpie]

In my opinion, the winds shouldn't matter.....

What control inputs do you use when the sock is limp?

[BD8]

discipline in using proper control deflections during taxi?

I witnessed a 'hands-free' taxi all the way to the runway this morning going for a ride in a buddy's nose-dragger this morning, and it completely blew my mind.

What did your "buddy" say when you questioned him about it ??

[warbirdpilot7]

In my opinion, the winds shouldn't matter, assuming we're talking about light piston singles. I've seen on a number of occasions, generally sloppy airmanship with regards to care an handling of an airplane. Most were pilots a couple dozen or a hundred hours out of flight school. Granted, the pilots are inexperienced, but I can't fathom how the airmanship qualities have ceased to be passed down by way of the more experienced instructors one is bound to run into over the completion of a license.

Maybe they have been passed down, abut the person just does not care. Who knows in this day and age......

If they make it to tailwheel flying, one ground loop should open their eyes..

[5x5]

Hmmm, I find this an interesting topic for a first post. Oh well, different things incite different people to action.

But since it seems to be so serious to you, why on earth did you continue to go on a flight with someone who exhibited such a lack of skill? If he couldn't even taxi properly, why would you want to leave - and then return to - the ground with him?

[ahramin]

In my opinion, the winds shouldn't matter, assuming we're talking about light piston singles.

I guess I need some airmanship classes. What are the proper inputs when there isn't any wind?

[JohnnyHotRocks]

I never use control inputs taxiing....in fact, I don't even use aileron input taking off with a strong crosswind...depends on what you fly I guess.

[Liquid Charlie]

I don't even use aileron input taking off with a strong crosswind...depends on what you fly I guess.

--

now I can't pass this one up -

Would that be a takeoff or a launch? --

[Zwilbelturm]

In my opinion, the winds shouldn't matter, assuming we're talking about light piston singles.

I guess I need some airmanship classes. What are the proper inputs when there isn't any wind?

I've always found keeping the yoke/ stick back will tend to keep small rocks/ grit/ water out of the prop, even on those dead calm evenings, ultimately keeping pennies in my pocketbook. Sometimes that extra centimeter is the difference between never knowing a close call happened, and unsightly wear on the prop.
Call it outdated logic, but its not getting any less expensive to keep an airplane in the air. Well, actually, that point too might be debatable, for another day.

[YYZSaabGuy]

Had it pounded into my head repeatedly during training that full yoke back (on a tricycle aircraft) is good practice at all times during taxi. Reduces prop wear from small stones, etc. as pointed out above, and keeps the weight off the nosewheel, which generally tends to be not only less robust than the mains but more costly to maintain/repair.

[Cat Driver]

These one size fits all statements just do not fit well with my thought process.

I fly a Husky on amphibious floats and for elevator or aileron control inputs to have any effect the airplane has to be near take off speed......so if the wind is forty knots I use stick central.

Maybe I am a poor pilot because I use common sense and logic?

[ruddersup?]

In single engine I am more concious of wind. I fly it into the tie down. I usually drag an airleron (instinctively) in the direction of my turn from my float experience ( of course this is into wind) . Some amphibs (floats) on land you can control quite effectively with just aileron and not have to use as much break. You would think there is no effect by dragging an aileron but not so. Elevator back if it raises nose (trike). Don't let go of the controls, start flying it when you get in until you get out and WATCH the wind. We've all had a strong tail wind almost pull the control wheel out of our hands, don't forget that.

[ruddersup?]

Oops, brake.

[crazy_aviator]

Any conventional pilot or owner of any plane with low prop clearance ALWAYS taxis with controls back especially on grass or accelerating, even in calm winds , to do otherwise is unprofessional and invites loss of $$.

[JohnnyHotRocks]

I don't even use aileron input taking off with a strong crosswind...depends on what you fly I guess.

--

now I can't pass this one up -

Would that be a takeoff or a launch? --

Just a normal takeoff....no space shuttles involved