How to Prepare

Updated July 2026 · by Jeff, pilot and builder of Zeekin Around

There is no checkride and no written — just training, an endorsement, and an airplane that stops forgiving you the moment the wheels touch. Most of the work is unlearning habits a nosewheel let you keep.

1. What 61.31(i) actually requires

Flight training from an authorized instructor in a tailwheel airplane, and a logbook endorsement finding you proficient. The training must cover normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, wheel landings (unless the manufacturer has recommended against them), and go-around procedures. No minimum hours — you train until your instructor signs.

2. Know the currency trap

Once you're flying tailwheel airplanes, passenger currency works differently: under 61.57(a), if the airplane is a tailwheel, your three takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days must be to a full stop. Touch-and-goes don't count.

3. Show up understanding the geometry

Everything about this airplane follows from the center of gravity sitting behind the main wheels. That single fact explains the ground loop, why you keep flying it after touchdown, and why your feet never stop moving. Start there — arriving with the theory already solid buys you flight hours you can spend on the landings instead.

4. Chair-fly the landings

Three-point and wheel landings are different techniques with different sight pictures and opposite stick inputs at touchdown. Rehearse both plus the crosswind and the bounce recovery on the ground, out loud, before the lesson. The airplane happens fast; the decision should already be made.

5. Expect to be humbled, briefly

Competent pilots bounce their first several landings. That is the normal shape of this transition, not evidence you can't do it — you're rebuilding a reflex, and reflexes take repetition. Book the lessons close together and bring your feet.