Early in my tailwheel instruction, my instructor was trying to teach me wheel landings in a Citabria during a Southern California full-blown Santa Ana. Winds were approximately 45 degrees to the runway, blowing 20 knots, gusting to 35+ knots. After about 20 attempts, with about 20 saves from my instructor (lots of crow-hopping, bounces, you name it, using all of a 150-foot-wide runway), I decided I was done:
Citabria 123: Tower, we’ve had enough. Citabria 123 requests northbound departure.
Tower: Citabria 123, northbound departure approved. Sorry to see you boys leave — sure has been entertaining!
Short Final…
Key Takeaways:
- A student pilot was attempting to learn wheel landings in a Citabria during tailwheel instruction.
- The lesson took place in extremely challenging conditions, with strong Santa Ana winds (20-35+ knots) blowing at a 45-degree angle to the runway.
- After approximately 20 unsuccessful attempts that required frequent instructor intervention, the student decided to end the lesson.
- The air traffic control tower found the training session entertaining.
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