Tailwheel

Weathervaning & Rudder Authority

On the ground a crosswind wants to swing the nose into the wind, pivoting about the main gear. Your rudder fights it — but rudder works on airflow, so it fades as you slow down. The tailwheel sits behind the pivot with the CG, so it weathervanes harder than a trike. Find the speed where the rudder can no longer hold the nose straight.

Looking straight down · wind from the left

CG pivot (mains)—

Gear type

Crosswind component15 ktGroundspeed30 ktRudder authority scales with airflow — slow down and it fades

Tailwheel

Weathervane

into wind

Rudder authority

to hold straight

Nose swing

0°

off centerline

Rudder vs weathervane

Directional control

This is why fast-taxi drills matter — you learn how much less rudder does its job the faster you go, and how control hands off to the tailwheel as you slow. Stay on the rudders, and be ready to stutter-step into the wind so a gust doesn't push you off the side.