How to Land a Taildragger

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Perform a similar pattern.

   Landing the aircraft begins with a good landing pattern.
   
   If we are talking about an aircraft, such as a Super Decathlon, J3 Cub etc...
   
   An aircraft with an approach speed around the 50 mph (80 km/h) (Please note it is a round number).
   
   Always perform a pattern as similar as the last one. (3/4 of a mile from the airport is always a safe distance) , After performing a good downwind
   - base
   - and turn to final approach, a great idea is to "Warm up the Rudders" which means deflect the rudders left and right, keep inputting small left and right inputs and prepare yourself to use them, because YOU WILL!.
   
   Let's remember that a tail dragger has the tendency to bring the tail forward, which will happen if you do not use those rudders to prevent it. ,,, IMPORTANT!! Do not look just immediately in front of the airplane, look all the way to the end of the runway, this will give you a much more clear view of what kind of input you have to put into those rudders. , So we have to compensate so we are not either blown away or into the airfield!
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   Step 2: Warm up the rudders.

   Your nose will be deflected towards the 030 heading (maybe 020) and the right wing into the wind. ,,, maintain the centerline, you will eventually land with the tail wheel and the right wheel, with the left wheel still in the air. ,, If you are going downwind, Forward input will be necessary.
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   Step 3: Make sure that you keep the nose down or the horizon line around 3/4 up the windshield

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   Step 4: this should put you close to your best gliding ratio

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   Step 5: and will prevent you to enter into a spin.

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   Step 6: Approach the runway always aligned into the center line

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   Step 7: which will give you the maximum separation available from the edge of the runway or obstacles within it.

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   Step 8: Once you get over the numbers

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   Step 9: pull the power to idle

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    Step 10: and barely pull the stick back to compensate for the loss of power

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    Step 11: glide down the runway until you are maybe around 2 or 3 feet (0.6 or 0.9 m) above the runway

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    Step 12: do not let the airplane touch the ground

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    Step 13: by pulling backwards

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    Step 14: use the ground effect to help you glide

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    Step 15: eventually you should have the stick all the way by your stomach

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    Step 16: without being able to pull more

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    Step 17: when that happens

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    Step 18: you should softly fall into a shallow stall

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    Step 19: with the three tires on the ground (three point landing).

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    Step 20: the most important thing is to perform a good Pattern

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    Step 21: we have an extra thing to worry about... wind direction and speed.

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    Step 22: This means that you will come into final approach either looking through the side window (Left or right)so let's say that your runway is 36 but the wind direction is 030 @ 15 mph (24 km/h).

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    Step 23: You will need to find the exact amount of turn and rudder you will need in order to maintain heading 360 without being blown away to your left.

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    Step 24: Remember to maintain the nose down to maintain airspeed.

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    Step 25: Once over the numbers

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    Step 26: power to idle and pull slightly backwards.

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    Step 27: As the left wheel starts to come down

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    Step 28: input right aileron accordingly so you keep the airplane from flipping.

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    Step 29: Once on taxiing

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    Step 30: make sure that you keep elevator input with the stick all the way back when Upwind

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    Step 31: so the tail wheel stays on the ground

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    Step 32: and when turning make sure the stick is turned INTO the wind.

Detailed Guide

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