[Madman]

Dave

I assume this is the VK kit. I had one and taxiing seemed easy, at least given all the stories I had heard. When it came to commiting aviation it went all squirily just before lift off. Somehow as lift is generated things change. Glad you had success.

Stephen

[OLD PRAIRIE RED NECK]

Perhaps you were on pavement?

[Dave Holmes]

Originally Posted by Madman

Dave

I assume this is the VK kit. I had one and taxiing seemed easy, at least given all the stories I had heard. When it came to commiting aviation it went all squirily just before lift off. Somehow as lift is generated things change. Glad you had success.

Stephen

Yes, indeed it is the VK kit.

Whoever built it made the tail skid fixed instead of sprung as the plans call for. Also the "skid sticks" (or whatever they are called!) were not added to the bottom of the lower wing.

I also feel I may have a tad too much right thrust on the engine as it likes to pull to the right on the ground, and for take off I have to add just a smidge of left rudder. (That is backward, is it not?) Sometimes, if the grass is not too thick, or is cropped extra close I can find a sweet spot on the throttle and taxi nicely, but I don't dare attempt to turn while rolling. I have to stop, apply full rudder, then blip the throttle to kick the tail around.

Fortunately, the takeoff roll is very short, so it doesn't have a lot of time to go goofy on the ground.

[OLD PRAIRIE RED NECK]

With any plane that I have had that had poor ground handling, I just walk out to the middle of the runway, plunk her down, nose into the wind & take off!

If anyone comments or critques the method I just say"I came here to fly, if I had come here to drive around all day I would have brought a car!"

[Dave Holmes]

Originally Posted by OLD PRAIRIE RED NECK

With any plane that I have had that had poor ground handling, I just walk out to the middle of the runway, plunk her down, nose into the wind & take off!

And that's exactly what I do. I received that advice from at least a couple of experienced guys in the larger of the clubs I belong to.