My Passion

Taildragger Tutorials

By: Amy Levin-Epstein
Apr 27, 2008 - 9:25:40 PM

Learn to fly in half the time and maybe even skip the runway

To fulfill your Chuck Yeager dreams, there's no better way to start than on a taildragger (also called a tailwheeler). Although most people learn on contemporary planes that have nosewheels, going retro in an antique plane with a tailwheel might make you a better pilot. "A taildragger plane requires the pilot to be vigilant about keeping the airplane straight and being alert to small changes in direction, particularly during takeoff and landing. There is less room for error, and this translates to acquiring better skills, even in the air," says Zdravko Podolski, owner of Amelia Reid Aviation, in San Jose, California. To get your wings, the FAA requires 40 hours of flight time, but most pilots will log 60 to 80 hours while learning. These courses can get you up to speed…faster.

Chandler Air Service
Location: Chandler, Arizona (outside of Phoenix)
Founded: 1976
Plane: Piper Super Cub
If you're able to take a short sabbatical, Chandler can give you a crash course--and a pilot's license--in one month (with twice-a-day flights). "If you pursue a traditional private pilot's license program, you have to fly three times a week for five months, but we can do it in four weeks," says owner John Walkup.
Cost: $9,000 for the accelerated private pilot license, aerobatics.com

Amelia Reid Aviation
Location: San Jose, California
Founded: 1960
Planes: Citabria, Champ, Cessna
To save time and money on a full license, consider Amelia Reid's sports pilot program. Introduced by the FAA in 2005, it requires about half the flight time of a regular private pilot license, with a few restrictions: You must fly planes that are less than 1,320 pounds, during the daytime, and with a maximum of one other person on board.
Cost: $4,000 to $5,000 for a sports license, ameliareid.com

Andover Flight Academy
Location: Andover, New Jersey (50 minutes from New York City)
Founded: 1988
Planes: Piper Cub, Top Cub, Stearman
Looking for an extra challenge? Head East and lose the runway with Andover's bush-flying course. "Our goal is to have you take off and land in 300 feet or less," says owner Damian Delgaizo. For an onscreen look at Delgaizo's results, rent Six Days Seven Nights: Harrison Ford did his taildragger training here.
Cost: $180 to $245 an hour, andoverflight.com

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