It might seem odd to think that a tailwheel endorsement would be a job requirement decades after “conventional gear” airplanes were deemed obsolete, but there are jobs where tailwheel airplanes are regularly use.
Almost all agricultural application airplanes have tailwheels, as do aircraft used for bush flying. Some of the best ways for pilots to build valuable flight hours without making much money, are towing gliders, flying skydivers, and banner towing. Many, if not most of the airplanes used for these flights are tailwheel airplanes. When low-time pilots obtain their Tailwheel Endorsement, they are opening doors that might eventually lead them to the left seat of a Boeing. And, they will owe it all to the tailwheel experience that increased their flight hours.
Many pilots have had some tailwheel time in the past but strictly fly airplanes with nose wheels now. Although it might be technically legal for them to solo a tailwheel airplane, they wouldn’t think of climbing into one without a little brush-up instruction. Of course, if a pilot has not had previous tailwheel experience, she will need the endorsement required by FAR 61.31 prior to acting as Pilot-in-Command in any tail wheel airplane.
For others, the course is preparation for transitioning to aerobatic or warbird aircraft. But for most, it is just for the fun of it. Enjoying a sense of accomplishment by mastering a new aviation skill. Since tailwheel training doesn’t require either a written or flight exam, there is no pressure, only flying the way it was meant to be.
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