Tailwheel Training

    Becoming a Taildragger Pilot can be one of the most fun and rewarding activities to broaden your experience and improve your flying skills.  The Taildragger Pilot will have a better understanding and improved skills for coping with crosswinds during takeoff and landing in any aircraft. 

The FAA Tailwheel Endorsement requires a pilot to demonstrate proficiency in the operation of a tailwheel airplane. The flight training must include normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, wheel landings, and go-around procedures.

TAILWHEEL AIRPLANES - Tailwheel aircraft, also known as conventional gear aircraft, exhibit different handling and operational characteristics than a tricycle gear airplane.  Tailwheel aircraft are not necessarily more difficult to handle during taxi, takeoff and landing, but they handle differently and the pilot must handle the plane accordingly.  Once the plane is in the air, it handles the same regardless of the type of landing gear it has.

LANDING GEAR - The aircraft main gear provide the primary support of the plane when it is on the ground.  The tailwheel primarily provides steering and directional control.  In a tailwheel aircraft, the two main wheels are located slightly ahead of the center of gravity.  The directional control of the plane is primarily by use of the rudder pedals.  Steering is through airflow over the rudder's surface.  Brakes are used primarily to slow and stop the vehicle.  They should be used as an aid in directional control only when making a sharp turn and only after full rudder has been applied.  When used, they should be applied smoothly and evenly.  Only the minimum amount of breaking necessary should be used.

TAXIING            TAKEOFF            TOUCHDOWN            GROUND LOOP           CROSSWIND          SHORT-FIELD           SOFT-FIELD