flight characteristics between small and large tail champs?

[Windknot]

Could someone describe in words that a low time student can understand about the differences in flight characteristics between the small and large tail champs?

As a comparison, I've got 12 hours in a Taylorcraft BC12-d if that helps in explaining.

Thanks,

Sean

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Small tail will "wag" back and forth in rough bumpy air, which gets really annoying on long x/c's. Big tails null some of the tail wag.

Big tails lose a little bit of rudder authority in strong x/winds, as in you might run out of rudder to overcome the big fin and wind. Little tails can handle more x/wind than most are comfortable with.

Big tails spin a touch slower and flatter from my experience. Little tails snap roll better.

nkh

[jc pacquin]

I've owned two BC12D's and a 7BCM Champ. I flew all of these quite a bit. I also have owned 2 140 Cessnas over the years. Looking back I can say that they ALL fly pretty much the same. A few differences but if you can fly any one of these with some degree of confidence, you can fly any of them. The Tail on my Aeronca 7BCM WAS bigger. I noticed no difference from the Tayorcraft. I am not comfortable in anything over a 12-15 mph DIRECT cross wind and tried not to fly in these conditions if that helps. I emphasize DIRECT. Same for a Cub, Super Cub, Luscombe, etc.JP

[Windknot]

OK -
I think I get the gist of it.......

Bigger tail, more rudder authority/stability in bumpy air, but bigger P.I.T.A. in crosswind landings.

Smaller Tail, going to pi$$ off my rear seat on long bumpy XC trips (READ: Wife), but increased crosswind component.

But the big one is: As a new/newer pilot, I shouldn't have a problem transitioning from Taylorcraft to either big or small tail should I choose to buy one in the near future to finish my training and get my first several hundred hours.

YES?

[Nathan K. Hammond]

You got it.

I shouldn't have a problem transitioning from Taylorcraft...

And that's a smart observation. You'll do fine.

nkh

[Paul Agaliotis]

Sean,
I have one of each style and can't really tell any difference between the two. I like the looks of the small tail,and you can't really hold enough gas to make a long cross country flight.
Don't sweat the crosswind component. Any crosswind at 10 Knots should be respected. If you do a wind triangle you max out near 20 Knots.
The only real problem will be the visibility, you CAN actually see out. The B series Tcraft is like flying a sewer pipe after you figure out how to get into the silly thing.
Glad to have you aboard and good luck on your search. If I can help you out here in CA let me know.
Paul