What We Offer

We will cover this in much more detail during the ground school, but we use a building block approach. Initially, we go "back to the basics" to ensure that the foundation is solid. The improved flying skills learned during tailwheel transition can be used in any airplane.

Block 1: Introduction to tailwheel basics and airplane familiarization.

Block 2: Take-offs and 3-point landings.

Block 3: Light crosswind techniques.

Block 4: Wheel landings.

Block 5: Taxiing in windy conditions and moderate crosswind techniques.

That's entirely dependent upon you. A logbook endorsement will only occur when you have demonstrated you can safely fly a taildragger in various conditions. There are too many variables in pilot skills and learning curves to be able to promise a signoff in a defined amount of flight time. However, we've generally seen signoffs between 5 and 20 hours.

At this time, the increased insurance costs are too high, so no. However, if there is enough demand in the future for C-170 rental time, we'll reconsider it.

Yes. With the C170B weight is rarely an issue.

Sometimes, everyone needs a mulligan. Flat tires, family emergencies, arguments with the significant other, failing to pass the AIM's "IMSAFE" checklist can happen to anyone. 

But the aviation industry waits for nobody.

If you can't make a scheduled appointment, you must let us know 24 hours in advance, and we'll reschedule. If it's less than 24 hours, you can choose to take your mulligan and we'll reschedule, or save it for another day and get charged a $300 cancel fee. 

Even with prior taildragger time, we don't know what you know and what you don't or what you understand or how long its been since you've flown tailwheel.  So generally speaking, we'll start at the beginning. However, because you have previous experience you may accelerate through the blocks of training in a shorter amount of time. 

Please contact us to discuss your particular situation.

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the USA Transportation Security Administration instituted strict rules on flight instruction for foreign nationals (to include "Green Card" holders). 

Therefore, as with many aviation questions, the answer is "it depends". Please contact us to discuss your particular situation.

We specialize in only two areas - tailwheel transition and Emergency Confidence Training.

It's all we do. 

Dale is the only instructor, and he used to teach spin training at ERAU, is a member of SAFE, IAC, EAA, AOPA, and participates in WINGS and FAASTeam. He also attends seminars from Master CFI's - because there is always something new to learn despite over 20,000 hours total time and over 4,000 dual given.

We highly recommend you read Rich Stowell's Guidelines for All Attitude Training. We're not associated with him (other than originally being from Idaho, and having flown in and out of his home airport) but couldn't agree with his guidelines more. Whether you train with us or not, if you follow the guide, you'll be in good hands.

Recent NASA and Industry studies have discovered that the effects of startle on pilots during critical events and the reliability of modern aircraft is, in part, to blame for inappropriate actions taken after a startle event. One of the common themes as aircraft become more reliable is that pilots are surprised or startled by some event and as a result have either taken no action or alternatively taken the wrong action, which has created an undesired aircraft state or, in some cases, an accident. Transition+ training, you'll learn the skills to minimize the adverse effects of an event - you may be surprised, but not startled. The effects of a startle have been shown to effect the motor skills for over 10 seconds! 

Airplanes may surprise you - but they should never startle you.