Taildragger tail dragging?

Shawn,

As folks have told you, the answer is yes for most tailwheel airplanes
(not all, it's a question of elevator authority and c.g.).

Interestingly, in about 1970 the Iowa State University flying team used
an 85 hp. J-3 Cub as one of its competition airplanes in the national
championships of the Intercollegiate flying competition in Bozeman,
Montana. The rules at that time for the spot landing for tailwheel
airplanes was to measure the point at which the mains touched. On
approach, power could be reduced, but never reapplied. The Iowa State
guys figured out the minimum power setting to roll the tailwheel, but
keep the mains aloft in that Cub. They'd roll the tailwheel at some
point short of the "line", keep the mains in the air until just about
there, then close the throttle. They got so their accuracy was
incredible. After the meet, the rules were changed.

All the best,
Rick

ShawnD2112 wrote:
Got a question for you taildragger old-timers.

I've often thought about attitude and altitude control with power and

elevator in various combinations and have wondered if it's possible
to get a
taildragger to literally drag it's tailwheel on the runway with the
mains
off, and do it intentionally, kind of like slowflight but REALLY low
over
the runway. I mean, we often try to land tailwheel first, so I was
wondering if it's possible to set up to do it partially and prevent
the
mains from touching. I've tried in the Tcraft but can't seem to
manage it.

Anyone here ever done such a thing?

Shawn