What is a tailwheel endorsement?
To fly a plane with a tailwheel (conventional gear) rather than a plane with a nosewheel (tricycle gear), you are required to have an endorsement from a certificated flight instructor that you have received the appropriate flight training.
Why should I get a tailwheel endorsement?
Landing on back-country grass strips can be a great adventure, allowing access to camping, fishing, hiking, etc. Tailwheel aircraft tolerate unpaved landing strips much better than aircraft with relatively fragile nose wheels.
How is a tailwheel plane different?
Tailwheel aircraft have their CG behind the main wheels, which makes them more challenging to ground-handle, take-off, and land. It is very important to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway during the take-off and landing phase; if not, exciting things can happen! We explain why this happens and how to safely manage these situations.
How long does it take to get a tailwheel endorsement?
On average, a tailwheel endorsement requires 3-5 hours, which include an hour of ground time and 2-4 hours of take-offs and landings. This endorsement is quality-based. Like most things, some pilots get it faster than others. All of them enjoy the process.
The requirements for obtaining a tailwheel endorsement are set by Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and are stated as follows.
Additional training required for operating tailwheel airplanes (FAR Part 61.31(g))
- Received flight training from an authorized instructor which includes the following maneuvers and procedures:
- Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings.
- Wheel landings (unless the manufacturer has recommended against such landings).
- Go-around procedures.
Classic Wings Insurance Requirements for Cessna 140 Rental.
(One of the following must apply.)
- 10 hours of flight training and 15 take-offs and landings to a full stop in the Cessna 140.
- 100 hours total time, 25 hours of any tailwheel time, and 5 hours in the Cessna 140.