“Worlds Smallest Tail-Dragger Fly-In”
An aviation friend – Hugh H – hosts a fly-in of tail-dragger airplanes to his Chesapeake Bay-side home in Maryland. I’ve been delighted to have been invited for a few years now. So, with buddy Bill K in the back, flew the 78 miles south in the Citabria 76ML and joined a colourful selection of aviation history (both pilots and their craft) for lunch, good company in this breathtakingly stunning part of this beautiful country. Thanks again Hugh and Marge!
Hugh and ex-airline stewardess Marge host a wonderful event they call “Worlds Smallest”. Small in aircraft count maybe, but huge in everyone’s memories lucky enough to participate.
Tail-draggers – so called ‘cos that’s what they do. The drag their arses around the place on a small tailwheel. They are more challenging to deal with, with great care necessary in take-offs and even more so in landings, and taxi-ing. They are very susceptible to the wind and need constant attention, until safety hangared. The alternate and majority of aircraft wheel configurations are tri-cycle, with the leading wheel at the front of the airframe – easy!
Nice video from Lucky of his approach and landing here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ5MoYi0Fec