I've tried everything imaginable to fly the default FS2004 Piper Cub. I've simply come to the conclusion that it has inherent flight dynamics flaws that good ol Microsoft is famous for. I do realize that taildraggers are inherently unstable on the ground and that the center of gravity is displaced behind the main wheels, ect but it's ridiculous with the default cub model (over-exaggerated).How does the Realair Decathalon compare? Is it flyable with proper pilot technique? I'm looking for some sim taildragger experience as realistic as possible and I'm convinced Microsoft has screwed it up as usual with their flight dynamics. All comments appreciated, thank you.

Before you shell out for a payware aircraft to "learn" to handle a taildragger, I would suggest you check out Airheads Super Decathlon or the LIC Bellanca Scout, both really amazing aircraft both in performance and visually, and free!.Regards, MichaelKDFWhttp://www.calvirair.com/mcpics/PBTMCa.jpgCalVirAir International VACalVirAir International

The Microsoft Piper Cub..................... does have actual flaws that will not always show up. It also depends on the CPU, time of day and even the number of flights, if that makes any sense. So actually, all the taildragger experience in the world, may or may not work. It will sometimes get into an uncontrolable ground-looping action, where throttle, aileron, & rudder has no effect. This is the only MSFS airplane, that has acted this weird; as sometimes, it's just fine...As to the RealAir Decathalon, it's a "beauty"!!!! I've flown a real taildraggin Maule & aerobatic courses in a Pitts taildragger. And a few thousand hours of tailwheel R/C's.To be honest, there is no better taildraggers on the market, than the RealAir Decathalon & Scout. They do everthing from very realistic & "controllable" takeoffs, to precision slips for landings!!! Best taildragging experience possible on a PC!! :D L.Adamson

Hi Micheal,Do you know if the Airhead Decathalon model replicates proper taildragger ground handling like the Realair Decathalon model does?

Mr. Adamson,I'm glad I'm not the only one who has noticed the wobbly goblin in the Piper Cub default model. I agree with you that sometimes it seems like it works perfectly and other times it simply cannot be controlled. Some serious flight dynamics problems to say the least and it's extremely frustrating to try and fly with any kind of precision. Thank you for your opinion on the Realair model.

Not Michael ----But as I remember (lost hard-drive) ---- it performs nice takeoffs. It won't slip as well as the RealAir, but slips are a RealAir specialty, that few MSFS planes do as well.But it's free--------------- so nothing is lost. L.Adamson

>Mr. Adamson,>>I'm glad I'm not the only one who has noticed the wobbly>goblin in the Piper Cub default model. I agree with you that>sometimes it seems like it works perfectly and other times it>simply cannot be controlled. Some serious flight dynamics>problems to say the least and it's extremely frustrating to>try and fly with any kind of precision. >After having on & off problems with the FS9 Piper Cub on this desktop computer, I loaded FS9 to my new laptop (new -- 5 months ago) & the Cub performed great. Then wouldn't you know it................. it starts acting like the desktop model. I DO keep realism sliders to full.L.Adamson

You might also want to check out the cub collection from Golden Eagles Squadron. They handle pretty realistically as well.

The Cub sure is a weird little airplane in FS9. Every now and then it's as if someone grabs all the controls and pulls them in the same direction :-lolThe RealAir Scout is fantastic. It's actually possible to taxi, take off and land this thing. Also, it feels like you've actually landed on solid earth (or concrete) instead of the slippery ice/soap that most FS aircraft simulate. The RealAir Decathlon should feature equally good ground handling.I would start with some freeware though:-Airhead Decathlon-Freeware Maule by Steven Grant, Aaron Swindle and others-I think the Golden Eagles Cub is freeware now. They uploaded a bunch of older aircraft to AVSimAlso check out the other default taildraggers. They are a little more managable than the Cub.

The Default Cub is OK after this upgrade.http://homepage.iprolink.ch/metzger/index_e.htmlThe Aircraft.cfg and the Air file is great. After that, You'll want the Kitten upgrade here at Avsim.Joe W.

Hi Joe,I find that the .air file you mention, although it does greatly improve glide and drag characteristics, does not emulate proper ground looping tendency if improper rudder application is applied. The author of the .air file I think made it a litte TOO stable :)Will people like me ever be happy? Lol, yes, it's just that I'm looking for that special taildragger experience that rewards good pilot technique and vice versa punishes bad flying habits. That's what makes taildraggers so rewarding to fly, they are 'pilot's' aircraft, hands on stick and rudder all the way. I think I am sold on the Realair Decath, I like the way those guys think and how they come across their approach to flight dynamics modeling.

Flew a R/C Decathalon for a few years, and it was a fantastic aircraft. Loved doing aerobatics with it, and a few at the strip wound up buying them after seeing mine. I'd recommend getting the freeware ones first, as Ive also had a lot of fun with them.If you try freeware and like it, then you know you'll get your money's worth out of the payware...