What a Tailwheel Endorsement Is and Why You Need It
A tailwheel endorsement is a notation on your pilot certificate that says you are trained and checked out to fly aircraft with a tail wheel instead of a nose wheel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires this endorsement before you can act as pilot in command of any tailwheel airplane, even if you already hold a private or commercial pilot certificate. Without it, you cannot legally fly these aircraft solo.
Tailwheel aircraft handle differently on the ground and in the air than the tricycle-gear planes most pilots train in. The tail wheel is free-castering, which means it swivels, and this creates specific ground-handling challenges — particularly during takeoff and landing — that require separate training. The endorsement confirms you have learned and demonstrated these skills to an examiner.
You do not need a tailwheel endorsement to fly as a passenger in a tailwheel aircraft, only to be the pilot flying it. If you already hold any pilot certificate (student, private, commercial, or airline transport), you can pursue this endorsement without starting over with a new certificate.
Key Takeaways
- A tailwheel endorsement is a separate notation added to your existing pilot certificate and requires training from an instructor and a practical check from an examiner.
- The FAA does not set a minimum number of training hours, so the time and cost depend on your existing skills and how quickly you learn tailwheel handling.
- You will need to pass both an oral exam and a practical flying test (checkride) with an examiner who holds tailwheel authority.
- Training typically takes anywhere from 5 to 20 hours of dual instruction, depending on your background and the aircraft type.
- Once you pass your checkride, the examiner will issue a temporary endorsement on the spot, and your permanent certificate will arrive by mail within weeks.
Finding an Instructor and Choosing an Aircraft
Start by looking for a flight instructor who holds a tailwheel endorsement on their own certificate. Not all instructors have one — many trained only on tricycle-gear aircraft. Call local flight schools and ask specifically whether they have tailwheel instructors on staff. If your home airport does not have one, search nearby airports within a reasonable drive.
The instructor will likely recommend a specific tailwheel aircraft for training. Common choices include the Cessna 140, Piper Cub, Luscombe, and Aeronca. The aircraft you train in does not have to be the one you eventually want to fly, but training in a similar type (same make and model, or at least the same weight class) will make the transition easier. Ask your instructor which aircraft they typically use and whether you can rent it or if they provide it as part of their instruction package.
Cost varies widely depending on your location, the instructor's rate, and the aircraft rental or tie-down fees. Instructor time typically runs $50 to $150 per hour, and aircraft rental ranges from $75 to $200 per hour. Budget for 5 to 20 hours of dual instruction, though this is not a hard rule — some pilots need more, some less.
What Happens During Training
Your instructor will teach you the differences between tailwheel and tricycle-gear flying. On the ground, you will learn to use the rudder pedals differently during taxi, takeoff, and landing because the tail wheel is not connected to the nose wheel steering. You will practice forward-slip landings, go-arounds, and crosswind techniques specific to tailwheel aircraft. In the air, you will work on short-field and soft-field operations, which are common reasons pilots choose tailwheel planes.
Most of your training will be dual instruction — you and the instructor in the aircraft together. Your instructor will demonstrate maneuvers, then have you fly them while they observe and correct. You will not fly solo in the tailwheel aircraft as part of the endorsement process, though some instructors may allow it once they are confident in your skills.
Training typically takes 5 to 20 hours of dual time, spread over several weeks. The exact number depends on how quickly you master ground handling, how often you fly, and your prior experience. A pilot with 500 hours in tricycle-gear aircraft might need only 8 hours; a pilot with 100 hours might need 15. Your instructor will tell you when they believe you are ready for the checkride.
Preparing for the Oral and Practical Exam
Once your instructor signs you off, you will schedule a checkride with an examiner who holds tailwheel authority. The FAA calls this examiner a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or an FAA inspector. Your instructor can help you find one and schedule the test.
The checkride has two parts: an oral exam and a practical flying test. The oral exam covers tailwheel-specific knowledge — how the tail wheel works, why ground handling is different, crosswind limits, forward-slip technique, and emergency procedures. The examiner will also ask about the specific aircraft you trained in and its performance characteristics. Your instructor will prepare you for these questions during your training.
The practical portion is a flight test. You will fly the aircraft with the examiner on board. They will ask you to demonstrate takeoffs, landings, crosswind operations, go-arounds, and other maneuvers. They are looking for smooth, controlled flying and evidence that you understand the unique handling of the tailwheel aircraft. If you make a significant error — such as losing control during a landing or failing to correct a ground loop — you will not pass that portion.
What Happens If You Do Not Pass
If you fail the oral exam, you can retake it after your instructor signs you off again. If you fail the practical portion, you will need additional training with your instructor before you can retake the flying test. The examiner will tell you specifically what you need to work on. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the checkride, but you will pay the examiner's fee each time.
Most pilots pass on their first attempt if they have trained thoroughly and feel ready. Talk honestly with your instructor about whether you are prepared before you schedule the checkride. There is no penalty for taking extra training time.
After You Pass: Getting Your Endorsement
When you pass the checkride, the examiner will issue a temporary endorsement on the spot — usually a signed letter or a notation in your logbook. This temporary endorsement allows you to fly tailwheel aircraft when ready. Your permanent pilot certificate, with the tailwheel endorsement printed on it, will be mailed to you by the FAA within two to four weeks.
The endorsement is permanent and does not expire. You do not need to renew it or take a recurrent test. However, if you have not flown tailwheel aircraft for a long time, it is wise to do a few hours of dual instruction with an instructor before flying solo again, just to refresh your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tailwheel endorsement if I already have a commercial pilot certificate?
Yes. The tailwheel endorsement is separate from your certificate level. A commercial pilot without a tailwheel endorsement cannot fly a tailwheel aircraft as pilot in command. The endorsement is about the aircraft type, not your pilot rating.
Can I train in one tailwheel aircraft and then fly a different one?
Yes, the endorsement covers all tailwheel aircraft. However, if you train in a Piper Cub and later want to fly a Cessna 180, you should do a few hours of instruction in the new aircraft first to learn its specific handling characteristics, even though you do not need another endorsement.
How much does a tailwheel endorsement cost?
Total cost typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, including instructor time, aircraft rental, and the checkride fee. This varies significantly by region and aircraft type. Ask your instructor for a detailed estimate before you start training.
Can I get a tailwheel endorsement if I only have a student pilot certificate?
No. You must hold at least a private pilot certificate to get a tailwheel endorsement. If you are still a student pilot, you will need to finish your private pilot training first.
What if I fail the checkride — do I have to pay again?
Yes, you will pay the examiner's fee again for each checkride attempt. The fee is typically $300 to $500. However, you will not pay for additional training with your instructor unless you choose to — that is between you and your instructor.