A. INTRODUCTION TO TAILWHEEL AIRPLANES 1.5 hours minimum
B. ADVANCED TAILWHEEL OPERATIONS 1.5 hours minimum
C. TAILWHEEL PROFICIENCY 2.0 hours minimum (2 sessions)

Note that a minimum of 5 hours training must be given prior to endorsement, and that such training should consist primarily of takeoff and full stop landing practice, augmented by air-work as needed to increase the student\rquote s attitude control and rudder coordination skills. In addition, at least one session should include night takeoffs and full stop landings sufficient to meet the requirements of FAR 61 for night operations. This latter can best be accomplished during the final session of lesson C, after the student has achieved a sufficient skill level for the endorsement. Night landings should NOT in any case be attempted before the student has complete control of the aircraft during landings.

The general flight experience requirements specified in FAR Section 61.57 state that pilots who act as PIC of a tailwheel aircraft carrying passengers or certificated for more than one required pilot flight crewmember must have made three landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days to maintain currency.

Under FAR Section 61.31, no person may act as PIC of a tailwheel airplane unless that pilot has received flight instruction from an authorized flight instructor who has found the pilot competent to operate a tailwheel airplane and has made a one-time endorsement so stating in the pilot's logbook. The endorsement must certify that the pilot is competent in normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, wheel landings (unless the manufacturer has recommended against wheel landings), and go-around procedures. The endorsement is not required if a pilot has logged flight time as PIC of tailwheel airplanes before March 15, 1991.

In addition to the requirements specified in FAR Section 61.31, the FAA recommends that pilots obtain a thorough checkout and transition training for each make and model of tailwheel airplane to be flown due to significant differences in operating characteristics of individual tailwheel airplanes. For example, many older types of tailwheel airplanes have pronounced or unusual stall and spin characteristics which differ greatly from those of more recently certificated tailwheel airplanes. In addition, many older airplanes may lack the comprehensive operating data and information typically found in pilot operating handbooks for comparable newer airplanes. Also, systems taken for granted in newer model airplanes may not exist in older aircraft, requiring a pilot to be familiar with unusual or seldom-used procedures. For example, the absence of electrical systems on many older aircraft compels the pilot to be familiar with hand propping procedures. The absence of attitude and heading gyroscopic instruments requires the pilot to depend more heavily on visual and other cues for basic aircraft control. Finally, the lack of radio equipment in many tailwheel airplanes obligates the pilot to be current in navigation by pilotage and no-radio traffic pattern procedures.

Additional factors may affect the instructional environment in tailwheel airplanes equipped with tandem seating. These factors may include reduced visibility from the rear seat, difficulty in communicating with the student due to seating position and higher noise levels, and lack of complete instrumentation or aircraft controls for the pilot in the rear seat.

Before conducting checkouts or other training in tailwheel airplanes, CFI's should carefully review their own qualifications. Most newly-certificated CFI's will have had little or no experience in tailwheel aircraft and will need comprehensive checkouts and transition training in tailwheel airplanes before giving instruction in them.

LESSON OBJECTIVE:

Introduce the student to the regulatory requirements, systems, performance characteristics, handling characteristics and operating procedures associated with tailwheel (conventional gear) airplanes.

STUDENT ASSIGNMENT: FAA-H-8083-3 "Airplane Flying Handbook", Chapter 15 - Transition to tailwheel airplanes. FAR 61.31 and 61.57

PREFLIGHT GROUND INSTRUCTION:

AT AIRPLANE:

FLIGHT INSTRUCTION:

POSTFLIGHT:

LOGBOOK ENTRY:

LESSON OBJECTIVE:

Introduce the student to wheel landings, short and soft field procedures for tailwheel airplanes.

STUDENT ASSIGNMENT: Review FAA-H-8083-3 "Airplane Flying Handbook", Chapter 15 - Transition to tailwheel airplanes.

PREFLIGHT GROUND INSTRUCTION:

AT AIRPLANE:

FLIGHT INSTRUCTION:

POSTFLIGHT:

LOGBOOK ENTRY

LESSON OBJECTIVE:

Increase students proficiency in performance of the procedures and maneuvers introduced in the previous lessons to the skill level necessary for endorsement.

STUDENT ASSIGNMENT: Reflection and review as warranted.

PREFLIGHT GROUND INSTRUCTION:

AT AIRPLANE:

FLIGHT INSTRUCTION:

POSTFLIGHT:

LOGBOOK ENTRY

Endorsement required to act as PIC in a tailwheel airplane: 61.31(i)
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name), (pilot certificate), (certificate number), has received the required training of 61.31(i) in a (make and model of tailwheel airplane). I have determined that he/she is proficient in the operation of a tailwheel airplane. S/S [date] J.J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-00

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