RVBottomly
PATRON
Asotin County Washington (KLWS)
In my occasional free time I'm learning the ways of my side-airplane: the Commonwealth SkyRanger 185 (with a C-90, I might add).
It is sort of a challenge with its big tail and small rudder, and wings that want to fly. And maybe a bit of toe-in to make ground handling a minor thrill.
But I've been getting a feel for her and enjoy the spacious cabin. It reminds me of the first car I owned: a 1938 Buick Special.
But little things have a way of waking you up.
The other day I was landing on pavement when the "variable 5-7 knots" shifted from straight down the runway to direct crosswind. Caught me by surprise a foot above the runway.
I heard the left main starting to squeal, shifted aileron to the right and full left rudder as I was settling down. Not helping! Not a ground loop! Left brake!
And it all settled down and we came to a sedate stop.
But when I wanted to proceed she didn't want to move. "What? Did I break something?" Then I tapped the brakes and "click", we rolled fine.
After parking I took a look: if you apply full left rudder and left brake, the parking brake spring has just enough tension to set. Easy enough fix. I'm just glad I discovered it on a light and variable day instead of during some wind rodeo.
It is sort of a challenge with its big tail and small rudder, and wings that want to fly. And maybe a bit of toe-in to make ground handling a minor thrill.
But I've been getting a feel for her and enjoy the spacious cabin. It reminds me of the first car I owned: a 1938 Buick Special.
But little things have a way of waking you up.
The other day I was landing on pavement when the "variable 5-7 knots" shifted from straight down the runway to direct crosswind. Caught me by surprise a foot above the runway.
I heard the left main starting to squeal, shifted aileron to the right and full left rudder as I was settling down. Not helping! Not a ground loop! Left brake!
And it all settled down and we came to a sedate stop.
But when I wanted to proceed she didn't want to move. "What? Did I break something?" Then I tapped the brakes and "click", we rolled fine.
After parking I took a look: if you apply full left rudder and left brake, the parking brake spring has just enough tension to set. Easy enough fix. I'm just glad I discovered it on a light and variable day instead of during some wind rodeo.