All my tailwheel time >has been logged in DC3's and Lockheed Lodestars so I know that isn't going >to help when it comes time to fly the KR. >Doug Rupert ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The KR may be more sensitive and quicker to respond to control inputs but the principal is still the same. Keep the nose pointed in the direction you INTEND to travel. I had a total of 13 hours tailwheel time over a thirty year period when I started to taxi test my KR. After a couple of hours spread over several weeks I was comfortable bringing up the power, raising the tail, then cutting the power and rolling to a stop. If you can get to that point you are only two or three seconds from flight. I started to get an hour or two in a J4 before I flew but it was so grossly different on the controls that I made three circuits and called it quits. I did a few more high speed taxi runs in the KR and flew. Just make sure the day of your first flight has little or no wind. Personally, I think that recent flight time is just as important as tailwheel time. I'd suggest that anyone getting ready for a first flight have 8 to 10 hours of flight time in the 30 days before the first flight. If it's tailwheel time, even better. Recent flight time can only help to ratched down the pucker factor of the first flight. Another thing I practiced was to lock the brakes, bring the power up slowly, and practice raising the tail off the ground and hold it using elevator. In my KR it required about 2200 rpm. That helped me get used to the feel of the stick and elevator sensitivity. Use extra caution if you try it like maybe wheel chalks and tie the tail so you can't nose over or something. Use you best judgment here. One last hint and then I'll cease my rambling. When taxi testing, don't just taxi in a straight line. AT LOW SPEEDS, do some zig-zags back and forth. See how much rudder it takes to start a turn and how much it takes to stop a turn and bring the nose back to straight. The airplane will pretty much run a straight line on its own. You need to get the feel for amount and duration of control inputs. As always, your results may vary ! Larry Flesner 125 hours now and needing a KR fix. Hope the weather clears for the weekend.
