(This syllabus is a typical example for your reference. Your training will depend on many factors including: skill, weather and schedule)

Course Description: The tailwheel checkout is a great skill builder and will increase your flying proficiency no matter what you fly. More importantly it is great fun and excitment, and you can get a BFR at the same time!

Course Length: 2+ hours ground instruction; 8-15 hours flight instuction (length is approximate and will depend on your proficiency and continunity for completing the requirements.

Requirements: Private or Sport pilot certificate

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Course Content & Requirements:

Tailwheel (Ground)

• Tailwheel  ground handling characteristics, including attention to wind compensation and causes of ground loops.
• Takeoffs, pattern work and landings - emphasis will be on three point takeoffs and landings
• Preflight and POH (Pilot Operating Handbook) review
• Special preflight considerations pertinent to tailwheel and fabric covered aircraft.

Taxi Operations (Flight)

• Cosswind techniques and control positions for wind direction
• S-turns
• changing rudder pressures with speed

Flight Fundamentals (Flight)

• Normal takeoff and flight to practice area.
• Four fundamentals - straight and level, climbs, descents and turns.
• Medium and steep turns
• Stall series

Airport Pattern Operations (Flight)

• Normal pattern operations - emphasis on Three-Point Takeoffs and Landings
• Go-Around/Bounce procedures
• Crosswind operations

Wheel Landings (Ground & Flight)

• Tail Low vs Tail High
• Crosswind Considerations
  • weather cocking
  • ground loop tendencies
• Go-Around/Bounce procedures

Emergency Procedures (Ground & Flight)

• Engine out procedures - emphasis on real world scenarios and aircraft control
• Slips

Soft Field Operations (Optional, Ground)

• Discuss the following: types of soft fields (e.g. mud, snow, etc); importance of dragging the field prior to landing; proper use of brakes, throttle, rudder and elevator during taxi; turning radius on soft vs. dry terrain
• Soft field takeoffs - emphasis on attitude control, proper use of elevator during takeoff, and use of flaps
• Soft field landings - emphasis on attitude control and landing with power and use of flaps
  

Soft Field Takeoffs and Landings (Optional, Flight)

• Soft field ground handling, taxi, teft and right turns, proper use of elevator, throttle, rudder and brake
• Soft field takeoffs - emphasis on attitude control
• Soft field landings - emphasis on attitude control and landing with power and use of flaps
  

Additional Reading/Viewing:

• The Compleat Taildragger Pilot, by Harvey S. Plourde
• The student Pilot's Flight Manual Ninth Edition, by William K. Kershner
• Tailwheel 101 by Damian Delgaizo (DVD)