Just completed my tailwheel endorsement in a 7GCAA

elevader

New member
Joined
Nov 19, 2025
Messages
1
Location
KPAO
Loved every part of it, except the tie down.
I find it very heavy to drag it into the spot.
 
Loved every part of it, except the tie down.
I find it very heavy to drag it into the spot.
Congratulations! What's the plan now? Keep flying the GCAA or start shopping for a Citabria?

As for the weight, it's awkward at first but gets easier as you figure out how to put your weight behind it to get it moving without breaking anything. I generally will grab the tail by the handle (lower aircraft-right in front of the horizontal stab) and lift/pull to swing the tail and then push on the leading edge of the fin (just above the curve where it transitions out of the fuselage) and near the root of the horizontal stab. Once you get it moving and the tailwheel swings around to move with you, it gets easier. Maybe that helps?
 
A tail wheel tow bar helps a lot. Very easy to maneuver around and actually quite light. If it’s a rental, then a tow bar is probably not practical.

My previous plane was a Piper Dakota. That thing was a pig to move around by hand.
.
 
Tailwheel bar in the hanger, Bartman's technique on the ramp or in the bush. Don't lean on the fuselage, you'll break a wooden stringer.

Buddy got a Citabria stuck in the sand on a beach and bent the wing struts getting it unstuck. Flew it out to the nearest airport and waited for parts.
 
Agree on the towbar. I screw two nubs into the fork with 8-32 capscrews (and Loctite), then use a C-150 towbar.

Edit: I have done it! Top three threads with my name on them. Somebody post something quick!
 
Last edited:
I’ve always just pulled them around by hand (normally on the tail if it’s just me)
 
Back
Top