In this video, using a Piper Super Cub, I will show how to perform proper three point and wheeled landings, and provide guidance on how to taxi a tailwheel plane, including where to position the stick relative to the wind.
Flying a tailwheel aircraft is pretty much the same as flying a tricycle geared plane, when it’s in the air. When it’s on the ground, it’s a different animal.
When taxing, the visibility looking over the nose of a tailwheel aircraft is difficult at best.
With some tailwheel aircraft, and pilots, looking out the side of the plane is the only option for making sure the aircraft is safely going in the right direction when taxiing.
Landing a tailwheel aircraft is even more challenging. It requires much more stick and rudder skill than landing a tricycle gear aircraft. Constant jabbing of the rudder pedals, and proper stick positioning relative to the wind, is critical for maintaining directional control of the airplane until it comes to a complete stop on the runway.