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Hello all. Seems like the forum has slowed down lately...hopefully that means everyone's out flying rather than hunkered down over a computer keyboard.

On Labor Day I took advantage of a beautiful day in the South to fly from Atlanta over to Moontown (3M5) airport near Huntsville, Alabama. They've got a beautifully restored Aeronca Champ there and a CFI who's as nice as they come. And the rental and CFI rates are a throwback to...well, sometime long before I first picked up a Jeppesen manual!

So it was a day of many firsts for me. First turf strip. First ragwing. First taildragger. First stick (rather than yoke) control. And first time REALLY having to use the rudders...boy my legs were tired!

I put some photos and a short video up so feel free to pop in if you want to enjoy vicariously. Happy flying!

Jeff
(aka Moski)

http://gallery.mac.com/moski#100032

very cool Jeff! Ive never flown a champ but it looks like a blast. my tailwheel time is mostly split between Citabria, Super Cub, and Cessna 140 with an hour or so a few others sprinkled in. I did mine the hard way, in the winter in Iowa, so no sliding on the grass. All pavement from the beginning so I had to make sure and do it right. I still love a grass runway though.

_________________
Everyone must believe in something, I believe that I will go flying.

Tailwheel is so much fun, "real" flying where you feel the plane. I love it.
Thanks for the pics, it's nice to put a face with a name.

I got some stick time in a Champ last year. The owner wasn't a CFI, so it wasn't loggable. I just stopped by a little grass strip in Knoxville while travelling, he pulled in, we chatted, and he offered a flight. He took off and landed, but I got to fly around for nearly an hour. He knew I was heading for my checkride, so he had me do s-turns across a road, etc. It wasn't until we landed that I realized he hadn't made a single radio call -- no radio in the plane, just an intercom. It was one of the highlights of all my flying experiences. If I could ever move out of the DC ADIZ and live near a quiet grass strip, I'd love to get a Champ.

Did I mention the duct tape on the wings?

Flying tail-draggers is alot of fun and a challenge. After my first lesson, I felt like I was learning to fly all over again. I have time in T-crafts, Champs, Supercubs, and my Citabria. Even if you don't intend to use it, I suggest all pilots get some tailwheel instruction (perhaps as part of a BFR), simply because it will challenge your flying skills and you will learn to use that rudder!