At 02:09 PM 12/10/2006, you wrote: >This is my request- Would those of you out there who are flying or >have flown the KR-2 series of aircraft tell those of us who are >aspiring to be KR-2 pilots how much TD time you had logged before >your first KR-2 flight? Realizing that all > pilots are not created equal, it would still be useful to know how > experienced you all were when you started. Thanks, Ken +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I had approx 900 hours TT when I completed my KR. I had about 13 hours TT in tailwheel aircraft over a thirty year period when I started to taxi my KR. I shut down after todays flight with 266.1 hours on the hobbs. The KR must be similar to doing drugs. I can't seem to wait to get my next "fix" ! I think the most important thing is to have enough "recent" time to be comfortable flying in any type of aircraft. If you get some tailwheel time with an instructor you can "self teach" yourself to fly the KR. Start slow and slowly work up to getting the tail up , slow down , and bring the tailwheel down for the roll out. At that point you should be ready to fly. You're right, all pilots are not created equal. I probably spent about 3 or 4 hours doing taxi test before I flew. One critical point. Never start to taxi or get on to a runway unless you and the airplane are completely ready to fly. Enough fuel, seat belts on, etc., etc. You may find yourself suddenly in the air when you get to the fast taxi part. If that happens the safest thing MIGHT be to just continue the flight. The most important thing in learning to fly tailwheel is that you can't be along for the ride. You have to fly the airplane, and fly it correctly, anytime you are moving on the ground, especially at any speed above about 10 or 15 mph. Rudder input is the most critical but after a few hours you should learn what it takes to keep it moving straight with the nose pointed in the direction of travel. My KR does not fly like a Cub or a Champ. They require greater control inputs and do not respond as quickly as my KR to control inputs. My KR responds almost instantly to any rudder inputs and the amount of peddle movement is small. Try to get a ride in something that has light and quick control response before you fly so the KR flight characteristics don't surprise you. I'd bet a stake supper that the instructor guru, EAA tech councilor, giving all the negative advise has never ridden in or flown a KR. There are hundreds of KR's flying and we are not all Super Pilots. Keep building and keep flying. There is a YEEEEEE HAAAAAAAA adventure in your future. Larry Flesner
