14 CFR 61.31(i) · AFH ch. 14
Tailwheel Endorsement Study Guide
A free tailwheel endorsement study guide. No checkride here — just an endorsement, and an airplane that will punish lazy feet. Everything follows from one fact: the center of gravity sits behind the main wheels. This guide covers ground handling and the ground loop, three-point and wheel landings, crosswinds, and exactly what 61.31(i) requires before your instructor signs.
0 of 7 sections studied
Progress is saved on this device.
Your checkride
Tasks that don't apply to your aircraft class are hidden automatically.
Sections
TW.1
Why Tailwheels Are Different
Understand the one fact that drives everything else — the center of gravity sits behind the main gear — and what that does to directional stability on the ground.
TW.2
Ground Handling, Taxi, and the Ground Loop
Taxi an airplane you cannot see over, position the controls for the wind, and recognize and stop a swerve before it becomes a ground loop.
TW.3
Normal and Crosswind Takeoff
Fly a tailwheel takeoff: raising the tail, holding the centerline through the transition, and the crosswind wing-low technique.
TW.4
The Three-Point Landing
Land in the three-point (full-stall) attitude — the sight picture, the hold-off, and why the stick keeps coming back after touchdown.
TW.5
The Wheel Landing
Land on the mains in a level attitude — when a wheel landing is the right choice, the slight relaxation of back elevator just after the wheels touch, and how to keep the tail flying until it stops.
TW.6
Crosswind Landings, Bounces, and Go-Arounds
Handle the landings that bite: crosswind touchdown and rollout, bounce and skip recovery, and the decision to go around before the airplane decides for you.
TW.7
The Endorsement and Staying Proficient
Know exactly what 61.31(i) requires for the endorsement, the tailwheel-specific full-stop landing currency rule, and how to stay sharp after the signature.