SonexBuilders.net

Been putting some hours on my Jabiru 3300 Sonex trigear, and i am really struggling with grass strip tearing up my plane. On takeoff I have a issue where if I hit a bump my rear tailskid smacks the ground. It has since slightly bent and im concerned about damaging the fuselage. I've seen the taildragger versions come down so hard that it splits the tube that it's mounted in, so I know the chances of hurting it is small. But it's very embarrassing.

I've got the rollout pretty much mastered, i can keep the nose up till about 40 knots but one bump and it smacks. Any suggestions other than moving to a different field?

are you using flaps when taking off?

Random:

Technique - pulling off too early?
Technique - Rotating too much?
CG - is the plane in CG? Or very aft CG?
Thrust line - the engine thrust line is correct?

YMMV

Thinking outside of the box, what if you replaced the tail skid with a tail wheel?

Also Sonex says to only use a tri gear occasionally on rough fields if I recall correctly.

Jake

On the first half a dozen landings in my three wheeled Onex I had tail skid strikes several times on hard pavement. I was simply over flaring to try to control/slow the landing speed. It makes a really bad noise on concrete. That was the result of many years in a high winged Cessna. I find with the Sonex you have to control your final approach speed instead of waiting till the flare. That's where the AOA becomes the most important instrument on the panel.

I’ve flown Cessna 150’s and 172’s. I’ve also flew a Sonex, even had emergency landing in the Sonex. (Got rid of it). Never have I dragged the tail in a Cessna unless I tried. (Had to really try) You should take some instructions with a good instructor. Don’t fly till you do

Are you sure of your CG location? If so, then I agree with frkatch.

Been practicing rolling out and not flaring near as much, Also replaced the 90 dollar skid and the placebo effect has taken hold. no skid yet. thanks guys!