You have probably heard about how much fun it is to fly tailwheel aircraft. Did you know that it can help improve your flying skills? In general, tailwheel aircraft forces pilots to be better about rudder control. One truly has to “fly” these aircrafts all the way to the tie down spot.
Once a SCFC pilot who had just received his instrument rating was told by his instrument instructor that next he should learn how to fly a tailwheel. The pilot hesitated and could not see the value. Out of respect for his instructor he learned and received the endorsement. It was perhaps one of the best things he ever did. His stick and rudder skills became natural especially during slow and low flight in the traffic pattern. If you want to improve your flying skills there is no better way.
CFII Thomas Daniel draws on his experience teaching in tailwheel aircraft to inform attendees about what it takes to transition from tricycle gear to tailwheel aircraft. He will cover proper handling on the ground, how understanding torque becomes even more critical in tailwheel take-offs and landings, and how the additional skills and awareness learned in tailwheel flying transfer to tricycle gear flying. From this session, you should be able to create for yourself a roadmap to add a tailwheel endorsement to your logbook, and discover the joys of these aircrafts.
Thomas Daniel is a CFII at San Carlos Flight Center and he flies a Cirrus SR22. Since getting his pilot licenses he keeps expanding his cross-country flights, including flights from the Bay Area to Alaska, to Bahamas, many years of fights to Mexico and his longest cross-country to Colombia and Ecuador.
This event qualifies for FAA Wings credit.
Any questions, contact us at (650) 946-1700 or info@sancarlosflight.com.
San Carlos Flight Center is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our evening safety seminar programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early through the FAA event notification system at FAASAFETY.GOV. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home. Contact your SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 to confirm secure online access to any particular seminar.