Modern Piper Cub (left) with an old WW 1 fighter SE5A		No flight test or written examination at the end of the course
Chipmunk, excellent for tail wheel conversions		The ultimate tail wheel aeroplane - Hurricane

General

Any JAA or UK licence holder wishing to fly a tail wheel aeroplane for the first time is required to complete 'Differences Training' to the satisfaction of an an appropraiately qualified instructor. The nature, content and duration of the 'differences Training' is not laid down by LASORS or JAR-FCL but is left to the descretion of the instructor conductimg the training. Moreover, there is no formal test or check at the end of the training.

Our tail wheel conversion course has been designed to meet most peoples needs and abilities. It is only a guide and the actual amount of training will very much depend on how each individual performs on the course.

Pre-Course Entry Requirements

Before being permitted to begin the course of training the candidate shall have a valid and current:

• Aeroplane Licence
• SEP (Land) Class Rating or SSEA
• Medical Certificate

Ground Training

The ground training element of the Tail Wheel Conversion course consists of 2 hours of ground instruction on subjects associated with tail wheel operations including:

• Principles of flight (tail wheel specific)
• Ground operations
• Visual circuits - take-off, landing
• Crosswind operations
• Type specific operations (Chipmunk)

Flying Training

The flight training element of the Tail Wheel Conversion course consists of a 5 hours of dual instruction

Skill Test

There are no formal tests on completion of the Tail Wheel Conversion course

References

The Air Pilot's Manual by Trevor Thom (Volume 5)

Instructional Techniques For The Flight Instructor by John Halstead and Alan Newton (click here for details)

LASORS

JAR-FCL 1
The Complete Taildragger Pilot by Harvey S Plourde

Royal Air Force Manual Flying (AP3456) Principles of Flight (Volume 1)

Privileges

Permits a licence holder to fly tail wheel aeroplanes as PIC

Validity

The 'Differences Training' remains valid for the duration of the pilots flying career

Revalidation / Renewal

There are no revalidation / renewal requirements