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Drifting/crabbing/slipping/dog tracking/flying woppyjawed makes no difference. If you attempt to land a tailwheel airplane that is not tracking over the ground in the same direction that it is pointed, it will yaw in the wrong direction upon touchdown. Its very hard to explain to someone who only flies tricycle gear aircraft just how "straight" straight should be. Once they get some tailwheel time under their belt, it clicks for them and they will forever be a better pilot.
Craig, I liked the woppyjawed best !
Before I was a corn earworm assassin, I instructed in Citabrias. I used to lay a pencil on a table, and have the student pull it by the point, then try to push it straight by the eraser. That was the difference between nosewheel and tail wheel planes. You just can't let it start to wander, or the CG will complete what you started.
Everyone has added good points, one I would add is to make sure the airplane tracks straight. I flew a couple of different Smith Miniplanes a while back. One landed "like a Cub", the other would jump left or right depending on how you held your mouth. A good mechanic bought that one, aligned the gear, and said it now landed "like a Cub".
But....I have never had the experience of a Stearman, many other conventional gear, but, no Stearman. ( sigh ) .
Jeff
