Video Tip: How to land a tailwheel airplane (wheel landing method)

Most pilots learn to fly and earn their pilot certificate in a tricycle gear airplane, often referred to as a “nosewheel” airplane, like a Cessna 172 or Piper Archer. After spending some time at just about any airport, however, you’ll also see a variety of tailwheel airplanes, which were designed and built decades before the first nosewheel airplane ever flew. While there aren’t many differences when flying tailwheel and nosewheel airplanes in the air, taking off and landing are a different story.

This week’s tip explains how to land a tailwheel airplane by using the “wheel landing” method. To learn more about how to fly tailwheel airplanes, check out Sporty’s Tailwheel Checkout Course with Patty Wagstaff.

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Bret Koebbe

As Sporty’s lead aviation course and video producer, Bret is usually flying an interesting airplane, and often with a camera rolling. He oversees the development, production and distribution of over 30 aviation courses from Sporty's, including the Private Pilot Learn to Fly Course. He is a flight instructor and check airman at the Sporty's Academy flight school and a senior captain on a Cessna Citation.

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