> >I will make at least 10 HS taxi runs, plus the recommended 50 foot hop, >even though I am a relatively high time pilot. >Larry Severson ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I think everyone will find their own comfort level when learning to fly the KR , whether it is a tail dragger or nose dragger. As to how much taxi time is right, you'll know it when you reach your comfort level. One should be able to accelerate and lift the tail to near level, run for at least 100 feet, and then decelerate and let the tail fall and come to a stop, feeling like they are somewhat in control the entire time. You'll know it when you feel it. As to the recommended 50' hop, I've heard that advise but I never considered doing it. When transitioning to a new airplane I'm not sure it's wise to try a takeoff and a landing all within seconds of each other. It's also amazing how fast you can eat up runway doing a short test hop. My goal on the first flight was to make a smooth takeoff, try not to go into PIO, climb out and get used to the airplane, try to relax, and then get it back down safely. To my utter amazement , the KR lifted off smoothly and climbed steady as a rock. I hardly moved the stick until it was time to make the first turn in the pattern. If you're comfortable through tail up it only takes leaving the power full in and a slight back pressure to make your first flight. Your first landing is getting it back on the runway in that same slightly tail low attitude, decelerate till the tail falls and bring it to a safe stop. The feeling you'll have after the first landing when you bring it safely to a stop and do a 180 to taxi back in is undescrible. My attitude was always "look how many people have learned to fly taildraggers before me. I know I can do it too". You have to believe you can do it before it will happen. However you go about learning to fly a KR, use good judgement. If you have any doubt about the process you've chosen, it's probably wrong. I'll share one observation that I think has helped me succeed to this point. With 2 or 3 hours of taxi test and 20+ takeoffs and landings I still can't tell you what my liftoff speed or touchdown speed is. I know what my speed is down to real short final (crossing the numbers) but anytime I'm within a wingspan of the ground I never look inside the cockpit. You know what you want the view out the window to be. Fly the airplane and make it happen. Larry Flesner
