Tailwheel Endorsement Clinic
Summer 2025 · Purdue University Airport · Interest gauge — no commitment required
Stick and Rudder Aviation is exploring the possibility of offering some onsite tailwheel training at KLAF. If there is sufficient interest, we would hold a group ground training session on tailwheel flying followed by a series of training flights over several days at KLAF.
Most current and proficient pilots can earn their tailwheel endorsement in ~8–12 hours ($2,000 - $3000). We train to proficiency with crosswind landings on paved runways, so the time required is an estimate based on experience, not a guarantee.
Because there is such a variance in skill and adaptability, we don’t do a tailwheel syllabus. Instead, tailwheel training is done in 7 phases. Students will progress thru each phase at their own pace.
Phase One: Ground session to include tailwheel concepts and aerodynamics
Phase Two: Introductory flight to include taxi, takeoff, stalls, steep turns, wingover maneuver, dutch roll, falling leaf, slips and intro to 3-point landings
Phase Three: Flight on grass runway to introduce and build proficiency in 3-point, full stall landings
Phase Four: Flight on hard surface runway to perfect 3-point, full stall landings
Phase Five: Flight on grass runway to introduce and build proficiency in wheel landings
Phase Six: Flight on hard surface runway to perfect wheel landings
Phase Seven: Final evaluation flight and tailwheel endorsement
Note: from phase four and up, we will actively seek crosswind conditions to build skills with the goal of exposing student to +15kt direct crosswinds.
If we reach sufficient enrollment, we will reach out via email in a few weeks.