G.R. Patterson III wrote:
Cub Driver wrote:

Are three-point takeoffs recommended for many taildraggers?

The CFI who checked me out in the Maule recommended this when taking
off with a
strong crosswind. I don't have the visibility problem you do in a
Cub, but I
found that the Maule will usually drift sideways immediately after
the wheels
leave the ground if I try a 3-point takeoff. This is uncomfortable if
the mains
actually come off first or if the plane lifts and then touches down
again.
Sometimes the plane will start to drift before leaving the ground
when the
pressure on the wheels gets light. Because of this sort of thing, I
no longer
make this sort of takeoff.

A three-point takeoff can rip the life out of the tailwheel
tire. It's too small for that sort of speed. We usually teach newbies
the tail-low takeoff, where the wheel is allowed to rise as speed
increases, and then elevator is fed in to keep it just off the
pavement. The airplane (Citabria) will lift off when it's ready and
it'll already be in the climb attitude.
Tail-up for crosswind to to keep it on the ground until there's
enough speed to pull it positively clear.

Dan