An Aviator's Field Guide to Tailwheel Flying Overview:

In An Aviator's Field Guide to Tailwheel Flying, author Jason Blair shares his experience in a variety of tailwheel-equipped aircraft. This book describes each of the major phases of flight and important considerations that will be useful for current or transitioning tailwheel pilots as they look to increase their proficiency. The discussion goes beyond physical flying skills into other aspects of tailwheels, such as operations in different makes and models or ages of aircraft, aircraft modifications, finding the right instructor, and challenges unique to tailwheels.

Pilots of aircraft such as Cessna 180s, Cubs, Champs, Maules or other aircraft of similar type and size will find relevant and practical tips to improve their tailwheel flying. The result of many years taking notes previously passed on to his own students as an instructor, as well as serving as a designated pilot examiner for aircraft checkouts and checkrides, Blair's book compiles and shares this knowledge with the broader aviation community.

by Jason Blair
Published April 2018
96 pages

An Aviator's Field Guide to Tailwheel Flying contents:

• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Finding the Right Tailwheel Instructor
• The Basics
• Getting It Started
• Tailwheel Taxiing
• High-Speed Taxiing
• Normal and Soft-Field Takeoffs
  • Skipping
  • Yaw Fluctuation
  • Takeoff Stall
• Short-Field Takeoffs
• Tailwheel Aircraft Landings
  • The Three-Point Landing
  • The Wheel Landing
  • Tail-Low Wheel Landing
• Short-Field and Soft-Field Landings
  • Short-Field Landing
  • Soft-Field Landing
  • Landing Challenges
• Tailwheel Crosswind Operations
  • Crosswind Taxiing
  • Crosswind Takeoffs
  • Crosswind Landings
• The Ground Loop
• Considering Differences Between Tailwheel Aircraft
  • Different Types of Tail Wheels
  • Narrow or Wide Gear, Long or Short Aircraft
  • Toe or Heel Brakes
  • Tandem or Side-by-Side Seating
  • Engines
• Older Planes
  • Parts Availability
  • Mechanic Availability
  • Insurance
  • Manuals and Documentation Availability
  • Benefits of Older Aircraft
• The Many Modifications of Tailwheel Aircraft
  • Bigger Engines
  • Propeller Changes
  • Short-Field Performance Modifications
  • Big Tires
  • Main Gear Modifications
  • Bungees vs. Spring Steel Gear
  • Tail Wheel Changes
• Primary Training and Testing in a Tailwheel Aircraft
• So You Want To Be a Tailwheel Instructor
• "General Rules" of Tailwheel Flying
• Resources
• The Tailwheel Endorsement
• About the Author