30-10-2013, 08:30 PM
I'm certainly not trying to disagree with any of the knowledgeable posts on this thread, but just relating my own thoughts and experiences.
Wheels and front-mounted (tractor) props are a disadvantage when learning, because they're both relatively fragile assemblies. The tricycle gear on the T-28 helps to protect the prop to some extent, compared to a tail dragger, but the gear mount is going to take a bit of a beating on those early landings (and afterwards too!), which can put the plane out of action until repairs are made. In turn, that may lead to discouragement, lack of motivation to make the necessary repairs... and so on.
Hence, another good way to learn is to start with a powered glider like the Multiplex Easystar, or one of its many clones like the HK Bixler. Being belly landers, the whole gear thing is a non-issue, and the location of the pusher prop on the plane's back protects it from anything but the most savage impacts. IMHO, an EasyStar can survive many rough landings which would knock a T-28 out of action.
Afterwards, when basic orientation is no longer an issue and lining up the landing is no longer quite so daunting, it's simple to switch to wheeled warbirds or whatever strikes one's fancy, in particular if Bronze Wings are the goal.
(I didn't realize RoG is a requirement for Bronze Wings. Thanks for mentioning that Steve. Is RoG with a belly lander sufficient to qualify for the test, or does the plane used for the exam actually have to have wheels?)
Wheels and front-mounted (tractor) props are a disadvantage when learning, because they're both relatively fragile assemblies. The tricycle gear on the T-28 helps to protect the prop to some extent, compared to a tail dragger, but the gear mount is going to take a bit of a beating on those early landings (and afterwards too!), which can put the plane out of action until repairs are made. In turn, that may lead to discouragement, lack of motivation to make the necessary repairs... and so on.
Hence, another good way to learn is to start with a powered glider like the Multiplex Easystar, or one of its many clones like the HK Bixler. Being belly landers, the whole gear thing is a non-issue, and the location of the pusher prop on the plane's back protects it from anything but the most savage impacts. IMHO, an EasyStar can survive many rough landings which would knock a T-28 out of action.
Afterwards, when basic orientation is no longer an issue and lining up the landing is no longer quite so daunting, it's simple to switch to wheeled warbirds or whatever strikes one's fancy, in particular if Bronze Wings are the goal.
(I didn't realize RoG is a requirement for Bronze Wings. Thanks for mentioning that Steve. Is RoG with a belly lander sufficient to qualify for the test, or does the plane used for the exam actually have to have wheels?)