Taming the Taildragger

There's no doubt that all the fun and tough planes have tailwheels! You may be taking a tailwheel checkout to eventually fly aerobatics or ski-equipped aeroplanes. Regardless, the experience of making a proper and good landing in a taildragger is particularly satisfying!


Once you've mastered a tailwheel aeroplane, you'll also have a strange experience the next time you fly a tricycle gear aeroplane: Is it that easy? You have become a better pilot.


There are numerous excellent books on tailwheel flying, but this book aims to provide a readily understandable compilation of the theoretical foundation one should have before starting a first tailwheel checkout.


Regulatory Requirements (FCL.700) state that if you want to fly tailwheel aeroplanes, you must undergo «differences training», either at a flight school or with an independently qualified instructor. The theory (which this book will cover) is commonly done through self-study before starting the practical part.