>There are a couple of differences here. #1) I run my tailwheel steering much looser than you, by preference. #2) You're runway is at ~500' ASL. Mine is at 7200'ASL, which means that the ground speed and ground roll before the rudder becomes effective is significantly greater. >Jeff Scott ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My ground handling experience in any type of aircraft would all be at a density altitude of less than 3000 feet so I have no idea of how much effect the higher altitudes have on ground handling. I would like to hear your thoughts on why you prefer a looser tailwheel connection. With my "nearly tight" connection, using Maule tailwheel springs, I get ground handling that I would consider very similar to a nose wheel Cessna such as the 150 or 172. I feel very little difference in the amount of pedal needed in tail up or tail down and little if any change during the transition. My steering seems very positive with very little pedal movement. I've had no problems with tailwheel shimy at any time with two different tailwheels. My setup works well on grass and any additional forces or pressures from operating on grass does not appear to have caused any damage or un-do wear on the system. I've never tried my KR with the cables looser nor have I ever taxied other aircraft that have had a looser cable setup. My 15 hours of tailwheel time before flying my KR was long enough in the past that I have no way of comparing it to my KR handling. I do, however, see a lot of tailwheel aircraft with sometimes VERY loose cables to the tailwheel. I'm just not sure what I'm missing out on that would cause me to want to change my setup. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Larry Flesner
