New 140 pilot Landings

[rfrederick]

Hi All,
I am a few months in my 140 flying and now feel comfortable with 3-point landings. However I regularly feel like the tailwheel is touching first (so it might be a 1-point ).

Runway is paved. I approach between 65-70mph, full flaps, power completely pulled back. VSI typically shows 600-800fpm. 600-6 mains and a scott tailwheel; not sure what model.

I think my next step might be to try landing with a little power but thought I would ask for help from folks who have worked these bugs out before.

[6643]

What is your CG? Is the elevator correctly rigged? If it's a pneumatic Scott tailwheel and your CG is near the aft limit, a full stall landing will be tailwheel first. Adding power might make it worse by pushing the elevator down farther.

[rfrederick]

Hi John,
I recall when I initially did the calculation, C.G. was around +15.7 with 2 occupants.
I also calculated with just me as pilot but don't recall it changing much. going from memory this was right around the middle of the range.

The 140 does have a pneumatic Scott tailwheel.

As for the elevator rigging, it seems normal compared to the other aircraft I have driven but if it were incorrectly rigged, what behavior would I expect?

[6643]

You might not notice anything, but if you have extra up elevator you could conceivably get the nose higher during your flare.

[6898]

That larger dia. Scott pneumatic wheel and maybe springs being re arched by someone could be why? Or maybe back too far on the yoke just before it quits flying? Just for fun some gliders only do one wheel landings are you categorized as glider? LOL

[rfrederick]

John,
if, you are available sometime, I may have to have to ask you to take a look at the rigging, I think you are just across the lake from me.

Maybe, as Jeff mentioned, check out the tailwheel and spring as well. Otherwise I will be looking for a glider endorsement

[6643]

I think you are just across the lake from me.

Just drove by there Sunday!

[8342]

On the leaf spring question there is a Neal Wright Technical article in these Forums (see attachment) that is eye opening about the wrong leaf spring sets that are on our airplanes. Of the several that they looked at none were correct. It also goes on to explain why certain bolts are installed contrary to standard practices.

I have found the wrong set on my airplane and I am now in the process of finding the correct set.

The main thing is to look at the Serial number of your airplane and look in the Illustrated Parts Catalog to see which set yours should have.
Actually the Neal Wright article spells it out very well.

Somewhere in the article it mentions the fact that the correct set may help the quality of your landings.
But then again it may be just operator error.

Good Luck,

Rick

[6298]

Full stall landing with my 120 and 140's puts the tailwheel on the ground first. The one with the Scott 3200 touches the tailwheel earlier in the landing.

[rfrederick]

Happy to hear Randy.

I still plan to have John take a look at the rigging in the coming weeks.

Thanks for the tailwheel document Rick. I didn't see anything on my tailwheel setup that seemed incorrect compared to the description.
I believe I have a 3200.

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