Adding a Tail Dragger rating to your pilots licences
If you want to be a proper pilot, you need to be able to fly a proper aeroplane, an aeroplane with a conventional undercarrage. Two main wheels up front and a wheel on the tail is said to have a conventioanl undercarrage, because when aeroplanes were first built/designed, that was the norm.
Then in the 1960's the 'land-o-matic' system was introduced, it made landing an aeroplane much easier, having a tri-cycle undercarrage became the most popular design.
Why do I need differences training to fly a tail wheel aeroplane?
Well there are 2 main reasons really, one is safety, you will be flying an aeroplane that has some Fundamental Differencies, Ergonomicly, Cockpit layout, Instruments & location, Taxiing, Taking off, General handling, Stalling, Landing are all different in a tail wheel aircraft. The other reason, is legislation. see CAA CAP 804 says in Section 4 Part B, Subpart 1 Page 189
Differencies Training can only be carried out by an instructor. familiarisation training can be self taught, provided by an aircraft owner or friend etc...
Here are two very useful, interesting and informative videos on Tail Wheel Differences Training from The Flying Reporter (Thank you Flying Reporter)
If you'd like to know more, please feel free to contact us and we'd be happy to answer your questions.