I have to echo Tim=99s experience. I transitioned into the Europa
Mono with a couple of hundred hours of Cessna 152 and 172 time and zero
tailwheel time. I did my tailwheel transition in the Mono and got sign
ed off after 10 hours. I had two really good instructions, Bob Lindsay,
test pilot extraordinaire, and another fellow that Bob provided transit
ion training to. As Bob was only available for a couple of days he work
ed with my local instructor/friend and got him up to speed after a coupl
e of hours. I ended up with half my time with each. I also did a bit o
f aggressive taxiing with Kim Prout prior to the first flight which real
ly helped as I got to explore the limits of ground handling.
The only tailwheel time I have is in my Mono; 750 hours over almost 15 y
ears of flying. With the exception of a handful of landings on turf, I
operate exclusively off of hard surfaces. Truth be told I am more nervo
us on turf, worried mostly about uneven surfaces. I guess for me, it re
ally comes down to what I have more experience with. As for cross wind
landings I can=99t say that it is really any different in the Mono
than the Cessna=99s I learned in. I crab into the wind vs. the w
ing low technique. I have landed with 15+ mph direct cross wind without
issue. Anything less than 90 degree provides for a slower ground speed
and less roll out which is a plus. I do, however, try to make sure the
plane is tracking straight at touchdown, although, I haven=99t al
ways been successful. The key for me, is quick jabs of the rudder pedal
s to keep it straight...dancing feet. If you apply constant rudder unti
l the plane changes direction it=99s too late, your off to the rac
es.
I love my Mono. The only downside is the availability of hull insurance
at what I consider a reasonable price. I have a 914 in my Mono and fly
in the high teens and usually see a true airspeed of 165-171 kts depend
ing on atmospheric conditions, burning 5.3 gal/hrs. For cross country f
lying that=99s hard to beat. And lastly, she is a head turner. O
h, and did I mention, I love my Mono.
My two cents.
Erich Trombley
N28ET
Classic Mono 914
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