Taxiing advise

Any DA42 related topics.

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marioair
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Taxiing advise

Post by marioair »

Had my first lesson converting to a DA42 (from a PA32).

The flying I’m ok with.

But I’m having a nightmare with the rudders on the ground - can’t for the life of me taxi well and also a bit “skwirmy” on touch and go’s.

If I turn just on rudder (no assymetric) I find the Nose wheel very un responsive.

I also am struggling to figure out best placement for my (small) feet. I was always taught “heels in the ground” to stay clear of the brakes. But due to my foot size I don’t feel like it’s making a good contact with the terribly designed pedals!

Advise welcome!
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ememic99
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Re: Taxiing advise

Post by ememic99 »

Use differential power.
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Boatguy
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Re: Taxiing advise

Post by Boatguy »

Or differential braking?
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Soareyes
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Re: Taxiing advise

Post by Soareyes »

Practice.
Current: DA42-V1

Previous: Hang gliders, Paraglider, DA40(x3), Cessna 150 Aerobat, SR22
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Colin
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Re: Taxiing advise

Post by Colin »

It's just practice. When I was training for my MEI it seemed like the CFII could spin the plane around and wiggle it into the parking place. I often would get it close and he'd say, "Hold on, don't shut down," and wiggle it into the correct spot by another eighteen inches.

I was coming from a DA40 that I *could* spin on a dime after 1,100 hours, but the DA42 just seemed like a bear to get to go around a corner.

It no longer feels that way. I am sure sometimes I use a little differential power, but in general I think part of it is keeping the tires in motion and using the nose gear correctly.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
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