Taxiing a Trike Gear Airplane in a Left Quartering Tailwind: Controlling Flight Dynamics

When taxiing a tricycle gear airplane with a left quartering tailwind, proper control positioning is crucial to ensure stability and maintain a controlled taxi. This article discusses the necessary adjustments to the flight controls to achieve this, while also presenting a counter-argument to the traditional "climb into the wind, dive with the wind" approach.

Adjusting the Flight Controls

Ailerons: The left aileron should be raised and deflected to the left to counteract the tendency of the aircraft to roll to the right due to the wind. This helps maintain lateral control and stability during the taxi. By offsetting the aileron deflection, the pilot can ensure the aircraft remains level and does not veer in an undesirable direction.

Rudder: The rudder should be positioned slightly to the left to counteract the natural tendency of the aircraft to weathercock into the wind. This adjustment helps keep the nose of the aircraft on an even keel and prevents it from turning into the wind, which could lead to an unintended and potentially dangerous situation.

Elevator: The elevator should be kept in a neutral or slightly nose-up position. This helps maintain a proper flight attitude, preventing the tail from being pushed downward by the wind. By raising the nose slightly, the aircraft can maintain a more stable and controlled taxiing posture.

The Traditional Approach: "Climb into the Wind, Dive with the Wind"

Traditionally, the advice was to hold the controls so that the aircraft "climbs into the wind" and "dives with the wind." In your example, this would entail holding the stick forward and to the right while taxiing.

The problem with this approach is that it often ignores the relative wind. In a taxying scenario, especially one with a left quartering tailwind, it's difficult to gauge accurately how the controls are being affected. The elevator, in particular, reacts not only to the wind but also to the propeller blast, complicating the situation.

_alternative_ Philosopher’s Argument

A more robust approach is to advise holding the stick full back and into the wind, regardless of the direction of the wind. This method is particularly useful for taildraggers, such as the Citabria, where the control inputs are critical. My experience with using this technique has shown that it can provide a more stable and controlled taxi, even in challenging conditions.

Key Points: Always ensure you have a firm grip on the controls. A sudden gust can drive an aileron to its stop, and an unsecured yoke or stick could cause injury. In the DC3, we used a strong bungee between the wheels to prevent such incidents, demonstrating the importance of safety measures.

Conclusion

While the traditional method of control positioning may seem intuitive, it often results in ineffective control inputs due to the complexity of the relative wind and other factors. By adopting a more systematic and controlled approach, pilots can ensure a stable and safe taxi, even in challenging wind conditions. Let's explore these principles in depth and ensure that every taxi is a controlled, safe, and efficient operation.