Differing from the tricycle gear aircraft, the tailwheel has been maligned as a craft that is hard to control and tricky to land. The truth is, once understood, the tailwheel is manageable and easy to handle. A complete ground instruction is given, with a hand out for the student, before getting into the airplane. Taxiing is then introduced to understand the use of rudder, brakes and power to achieve confidence in handling the airplane.
Landings in the tailwheel are first taught in the three point attitude. Maximum lift and minimum airspeeds are demonstrated. Short and soft field landings are also performed with this technique. People also ask, "How can you see where we're going?" The visibility over the nose is limited and often non-existent. Instruction to look in other directions to maintain the centerline and tracking is shared with the student.
The hallmark of the accomplished tailwheel pilot is the wheel landing. A smooth landing with control and delicate touch is a thing of beauty. Many instructors do not teach this technique as they fear the student will strike the propeller on the runway. With knowledge replacing apprehension, the instruction offers an opportunity to produce a landing that offers better visibility and more control in the rollout.
