- Joined
- May 18, 2021
- Messages
- 418
- Reaction score
- 251
Well, I beat the snowplow to the airport today and took off through 4 inches of light fluffy snow. No problem. I’m running 6.00 X 6 tires on Cleveland wheels and brakes. I flew about an hour to another airport.
I made a nice smooth, one might even say artful, 3 point landing. On touchdown I heard an awful squealing and the tail wanted to come up a little. The plane didn’t track straight and wanted to head off centerline. I just used my flight controls and rode it out. I was on the stop for aft stick and maybe 3/4 of right rudder. After a second or two, back to normal, everything was fine. I was maybe 10 ft off centerline.
The runway was plowed but pretty slick anyway, which was helpful. There wasn’t even a flat spot on either tire. The lockup was over before I lost aerodynamic control authority so I didn’t nose over or depart the runway.
My feet were not on the brakes, which was my first thought. I have ‘inny’ heel brakes and it’s not hard to avoid them.
Exciting stuff and I’m glad I got away with it. I won’t take off through 4 inches of snow again.
I made a nice smooth, one might even say artful, 3 point landing. On touchdown I heard an awful squealing and the tail wanted to come up a little. The plane didn’t track straight and wanted to head off centerline. I just used my flight controls and rode it out. I was on the stop for aft stick and maybe 3/4 of right rudder. After a second or two, back to normal, everything was fine. I was maybe 10 ft off centerline.
The runway was plowed but pretty slick anyway, which was helpful. There wasn’t even a flat spot on either tire. The lockup was over before I lost aerodynamic control authority so I didn’t nose over or depart the runway.
My feet were not on the brakes, which was my first thought. I have ‘inny’ heel brakes and it’s not hard to avoid them.
Exciting stuff and I’m glad I got away with it. I won’t take off through 4 inches of snow again.
