Originally Posted by
Cubdriver
I would also include mandatory tailwheel flying as part of private pilot training and testing, as well as spin recovery. I have seen quite a few pilots that really do not appear to know what to do in an upset situation or have weak stick and rudder skills.
+1. The army fixed wing guys and some corporate outfits send their pilots thru upset recovery in an extra 300 every so often. Some things you just can't replicate in the sim. I had to relearn how to fly (read unlearn to drive a plane on the ground) when I started flying tailwheel several years ago. Only problem is there aren't a whole lot of tailwheel planes out there for rent, and not a whole lot of good tailwheel instructors. Not to mention the insurance barriers. The number of ground loops would rise dramatically if everyone had to get some t/w time, hence why the tricycle became so popular. My DPE from my PPL add on gave me an hour of tailwheel time after my checkride and convinced me to go get more. I continue to echo his sentiments to everyone.