Why should I get my Tail Wheel training and Endorsement?
Pilots can incredibly improve their stick and rudder skills by a couple tail wheel training flights. Old timer pilots first learned in tail draggers like the J3 Cub. You would be surprised how sloppy pilots can be with their crosswind control and flare since they learned in tricycle gear trainers. In your tail wheel training, you WILL get more capable and confident at crosswind corrections. Your pitch corrections with the glide slope, airspeed and flare control will get much smoother and more refined. These skills are easily transitioned to a C172, M20J, Twin or even a B-737.
How long is the training for the Tail Wheel sign-off?
I have seen talented pilots get the tail wheel sign-off in two lessons and others in maybe 8 lessons. The key to good training is understanding how the cosswind control inputs and rudder coordination work together for a consistent and smooth landing. Let us shoot for 4 lessons!
When I am signed off, will I always feel comfortable flying tail draggers?
You may have higher personal limitations, like 10 knots of crosswind and gusts, but on the normal MYF days you will feel safe and confidents in your landings. After a couple days of solo pattern flights, you may look forward to the higher crosswind days for pattern practice.
Tail Wheel flying sounds scary, I don’t want to do tail wheel training until I get hired by an airline, it my risk my perfect record.
Flying with some pilots in a Cessna with poor fundamentals is terrifying. Getting better flight training and improving your skills is just smart. As an instructor, I had a tail wheel mishap with an Air Force Academy cadet on spring break. He was a couple months from graduating and going to USAF Flight School. I was 2 weeks from starting at United Airlines. When I told the United hiring manager, he laughed at my worry and said that only the best pilots instruct in tail wheel and they are happy to have me onboard. The cadet never had an issue either with his Air Force record.