2014 totally got away from me. Away with work for almost six months and then catching up with the demanding farm work meant that I could only get around to reorganizing the benches in the workshop in December. About the time I had to renew my medical grade two now annually over 60 and with acquiring old age diseases. Touch wood, just saw the AME and given the all clear for another year. But part of the questionnaire is how much flying in the past year? Thought I better do some. So Thursday fortnight before last down to Central Coast Flying Club at Warnervale to hire their nice little Citabria for some tailwheel refresher training. After all I will be
needing it WHEN I finish the Corby Starlet.
A. the instructor is a nice man about my age. He flipped through the log book and decided he could probably reinvigorate my flying career. Push out the pretty blue and white fabric into a low overcast and rather windy day.
Warnervale is a narrow strip. But seemingly the Citabria is easier to taxi than I recall my initial attempts at the Decathlon I earned my tailwheel ticket in over a decade ago. So I was a little overconfident for take off, but got her up with a certain amount of screaming from the backseat. It handled fine in the air and I got ahead of it again on downwind and planned my approach. Badly. The trees on late final were alarmingly, but normally close. The touchdown resembled a crash from my position. Luckily A. took over and regained control of my overcontrolling careerings. Oh I can see how a ground loop occurs.
After the second circuit we changed circuit direction to the north. That gave us less crosswind and downwind, which definitely helped. Other aircraft movements were ok, and by the fourth circuit I was getting the stick to stick the tailwheel down and stay there. Just not pulling it back far enough - seemingly into my gut. The last circuits of the hour (8-9?) were great. Nailing it every time, and such a contrast to the first half dozen screamers.
Good Job A. I will be back for more. So satisfying landing these guys.
Oh and bonus. I ticked over my 300th logbook hour on this flight.
