This course is flown in the Chipmunk. The syllabus is a total of 5 hours of flying time (6-7 trips) plus any solo time - it assumes that you have no previous Tailwheel experience. Ground training is approximately 10 hours.
The Tailwheel course can be combined with the AOPA Basic Aerobatic Certificate (normally 8 hours). The recommended flying time for the combined course is 11 hours, but will vary according to student aptitude.
Courses normally start on a Monday and continue through the week. Due to busy schedules, we are unable to start new courses on a Friday or Saturday, except in the winter months.
The Syllabus includes:
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Tailwheel Theory
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Intro to the aircraft
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Walkround checks
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Tailwheel taxying techniques
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Take-off technique
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Steep turns
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Stalling (straight & level and finals turn)
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Aircraft familiarisation (general handling to include steep turns)
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Approach and landing
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Slow flight
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Go-around technique (at height)
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Circuits and landings
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Engine failure after take-off
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Spinning (optional but recommended)
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Crosswind Landings
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Short navigation exercise
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Introduction to side-slipping
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Wheeler landings
Solo? Don't be surprised or disappointed if you don't go solo at this stage.