CROSSWIND LANDINGS

Paul and the Citabria

Saturday I shot some crosswind tailwheel landings with Carol Walker of Big Q Aviation. She's based at my home field Mid-Way Regional Airport (KJWY).  I cannot say enough good things about tailwheel flying in general or Ms. Walker in particular. She and Pete Setian are among a dwindling number of flight instructors who teach "feeling the airplane," rather than just "flying the numbers." They have really filled in some of the gaps from my primary training from years ago (Cessna 150 / 152 / 172). I would highly recommend any pilot who does not currently have a tailwheel endorsement to try it, regardless of what you currently fly. I find it somewhat humbling, but great fun -- I promise. If you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you won't find a better place to dust off those rusty skills.

Nota Bene: Look out for the black vultures (Coragyps atratus) circling the departure end - they have right of way. Because this is a blog which is legal in nature, this is an opportune time to mention that the American Black Vulture and the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA), codified under 16 U.S.C. §§ 703-712 (excluding § 709); See also, 50 C.F.R. 10.13 (Providing the current list of Migratory Birds covered); 16 U.S.C. § 742l (Fish & Wildlife Imp. Act of 1978); 16 U.S.C. § 742a-j (Fish & Wildlife Act of 1956). The MBTA implements Conventions between the United States, Canada, Mexico, & Russia. There are significant penalties for "messing with" these birds.