Originally Posted by
FreshPilot
Don't wait until after your CFI ride to earn your tailwheel endorsement. It'll make you a better stick and rudder pilot today.
Sure everybody coming up the ranks today and finger f$@% their way around a G1000, but can they perform a smooth three-point or a wheel landing in a crosswind?
Besides, who's going to fly all those Cubs, Pitts, P-51's, and T-6's if no one flies tailwheel anymore?
Couldn't agree with you more! During civilian flight training in college, all I wanted to fly were bigger, faster, and more complicated airplanes. Had no idea how rewarding/educational hand propping a J-3-65, then jumping in it for a solo flight could be.
Soaring has been just as fun (sometimes better).
The more I stray into unique flying niches (taildragging, soaring, round engines, and a little helo time), the more fun it gets! In the end, decision making and aircraft handling skills are sharpened. Too bad tailwheel, helo, and glider time appear not to mean much for airline recruitment (only observed from the outside in, have yet to sit in an interview).
Tailwinds,
PF2FX