How to find tailwheel endorsement training near you
A tailwheel endorsement is a notation added to your pilot certificate that allows you to fly aircraft with a tailwheel — the small wheel at the rear of the fuselage instead of a nose wheel. You cannot legally fly a tailwheel aircraft without this endorsement, even if you already hold a private pilot certificate.
To find training near you, start with the FAA's online directory of flight schools and instructors at faa.gov, or call your local airport's flight school directly and ask whether they offer tailwheel training. Many small regional airports have independent instructors who specialize in tailwheel work. You can also search "tailwheel instruction" plus your city or airport code, or contact your local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), which maintains lists of tailwheel-may have access to instructors.
The endorsement itself is not expensive — the real cost is the flight time. Most pilots need 8 to 20 hours of dual instruction (flying with an instructor) before they are ready for a check ride, though some need more. The total cost typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on instructor rates and how quickly you progress, but this varies widely by region and aircraft type.
Key Takeaways
- The FAA's flight school directory and your local airport are the fastest ways to find instructors who teach tailwheel endorsement.
- Tailwheel training usually takes 8 to 20 hours of dual instruction, though individual progress varies.
- The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) maintains lists of tailwheel-may have access to instructors and can connect you with local chapters.
- You will need to pass a practical check ride with an examiner after your training is complete before the endorsement is added to your certificate.
What the FAA directory and airport calls tell you
The FAA's Part 141 and Part 61 flight school databases at faa.gov list schools by location and the ratings they teach. Part 141 schools are more formal and follow a structured curriculum; Part 61 instructors are independent and more flexible. Both can teach tailwheel endorsement, but you have to call or email to confirm they currently have an instructor available and what aircraft they use for training.
When you call an airport, ask the flight school or the airport operations office directly: "Do you have an instructor who teaches tailwheel endorsement?" If they say no, ask whether they know of one nearby. Small airports often have informal networks and can point you to the next airport over. Many tailwheel instructors work part-time or on a referral basis, so a direct phone call is faster than a website search.
Using the Experimental Aircraft Association to locate instructors
The EAA (eaa.org) is a membership organization for pilots and aircraft enthusiasts, and it maintains a searchable database of tailwheel instructors by state and region. You do not have to be a member to search the directory. The EAA also publishes a magazine and hosts local chapter meetings where you can meet other tailwheel pilots and ask for recommendations.
Many tailwheel instructors are EAA members themselves, especially those who teach in vintage or experimental aircraft. If you contact a local EAA chapter, members can often tell you which instructors are currently active, what aircraft they use, and what the typical cost is in your area. This is often more current than any online listing.
What to expect from a tailwheel training program
Tailwheel training focuses on ground handling, crosswind technique, and the feel of the aircraft during takeoff and landing. Because the tailwheel is free-swiveling (not steerable like a nose wheel), the plane can easily ground-loop — spin around on the ground — if you are not precise with rudder and brakes. Most of your training will be spent learning to prevent this and recovering if it happens.
You will typically fly the same aircraft for all your training so you become familiar with its handling. Common training aircraft include the Cessna 140, Piper Cub, and Aeronca Champ. Your instructor will teach you the specific procedures for that aircraft, then you will practice takeoffs and landings until you can do them consistently without help. Once your instructor believes you are ready, you will schedule a check ride with an FAA examiner.
The check ride and endorsement process
The tailwheel check ride consists of an oral exam and a practical flying test. The examiner will ask you about tailwheel-specific procedures, weight and balance, and emergency recovery techniques. Then you will fly with the examiner, demonstrating normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, and showing that you can handle the aircraft safely.
If you pass, the examiner will issue you a temporary certificate with the tailwheel endorsement added. Your permanent certificate will arrive by mail within a few weeks. The endorsement allows you to act as pilot in command of any tailwheel aircraft, though you will still need a type rating if you fly certain complex or high-performance tailwheel planes.
Cost and timeline for tailwheel training
Flight time is billed by the hour, and rates vary by region and instructor. Expect to pay $150 to $300 per hour for dual instruction (you and the instructor in the aircraft), plus an hourly rental fee for the aircraft itself, which is usually $80 to $200 per hour depending on the plane. If you need 12 hours of training, the total could range from $3,000 to $6,000.
Some instructors offer package deals that bundle instruction and aircraft rental at a fixed price. Others charge by the hour. Ask upfront what the total cost is likely to be and whether the price includes the check ride fee (which is separate and paid to the examiner, usually $300 to $500).
The timeline depends on how often you can fly. If you train twice a week, you might finish in 4 to 6 weeks. If you train once a week, expect 8 to 12 weeks. Weather, aircraft availability, and how quickly you progress all affect the schedule.
Tailwheel training in different aircraft types
Most tailwheel training happens in small, straightforward aircraft like the Piper Cub or Cessna 140 because they are forgiving and affordable to operate. However, some instructors teach in higher-performance tailwheel planes like the Beechcraft Bonanza or Cessna 180. Training in a faster or more complex aircraft costs more but may be worth it if you plan to fly that specific type.
Ask your instructor what aircraft they recommend for your goals. If you want to fly vintage warbirds or aerobatic planes later, they might suggest training in something closer to those types. If you just want the endorsement to fly a Cub occasionally, a basic trainer is fine and costs less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a private pilot certificate before I can get a tailwheel endorsement?
Yes. You must already hold at least a private pilot certificate. The tailwheel endorsement is added to an existing certificate, not issued on its own. If you do not yet have a private certificate, you will need to complete that training first.
Can I use my tailwheel endorsement in any tailwheel aircraft?
The endorsement allows you to fly any tailwheel aircraft within the category and class you are already rated for. If you have a private pilot certificate for single-engine land aircraft, the tailwheel endorsement lets you fly any single-engine tailwheel plane. You do not need a separate endorsement for each aircraft type, though complex or high-performance planes may require additional training or a type rating.
How long does the endorsement stay valid?
Once issued, the tailwheel endorsement does not expire. It remains on your certificate for life. You do not need to renew it or take a recurrent check ride, though many instructors recommend a refresher flight if you have not flown tailwheel for a long time.
What if there are no tailwheel instructors at my local airport?
You may need to travel to a nearby airport or a regional hub. Many pilots drive 1 to 3 hours to reach a tailwheel instructor. Some instructors offer intensive programs where you fly multiple times per week and finish in 2 to 3 weeks, which can make travel worthwhile. Contact the EAA or call airports in your region to find the closest option.
Can I train in a tailwheel aircraft I own?
Yes, if your aircraft is airworthy and insurable. Your instructor will need to be comfortable with that specific plane, and your insurance company must allow dual instruction. Some owners find it cheaper to train in a flight school aircraft first, then transition to their own plane with a few hours of instruction once they have the endorsement.