Originally Posted by
757upspilot
When did it become a requirment to have a tail wheel endorsement?
For anyone not grandfathered into tailwheels, if memory serves, the FAA began requiring a formal signoff around 1990 in order to fly them. It is not just for show. If you were flying them before then, you do not need to get an endorsement if you can prove you were flying them. The signoff itself carries no hour requirements, just a specified list of tasks. Most people can get it in 5-10 hours of combined ground school and flight training. Insurance companies will usually insure a pilot with about 50 hours of tailwheel time on a commercial policy. This is why you will see that number on banner tow ads and most ads for tailwheel pilots.