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TAILWHEEL
TRAINING

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Sharpen Your Skills
Expand Your Horizons

Tailwheel training is about more than earning an endorsement. Mastering tailwheel fundamentals sharpens your precision, control, and stick-and-rudder instincts, making you a more skilled and confident pilot in any aircraft. Whether you're chasing adventure in the backcountry or refining your technique for everyday flying, tailwheel proficiency opens doors to new terrain, new challenges, and a new level of mastery.

At TacAero, we don’t just check the box. Our hands-on courses go beyond the basics so you develop the finesse and muscle memory needed to handle any situation with confidence. With expert instructors, dedicated aircraft, and real-world training environments, you’ll gain the skills to fly smarter, arrive safer, and push your aviation abilities further than you thought possible.

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Basic Tailwheel Endorsement and Refresher Course

The Basic Tailwheel Endorsement Course is the starting point for pilots looking to gain or refresh their tailwheel skills. Across 2.5 days, you’ll complete approximately 20 hours of 1:1 instruction with your dedicated instructor split between ground lessons, tailwheel simulator and 5-6 flights in the PA-18 Super Cub. With individualized instruction and a plane reserved solely for your training, you’ll get focused, uninterrupted training. From foundational concepts to hands-on flying, this course develops the understanding and assurance needed to operate tailwheel aircraft safely and with precision. Course fee starts at $5,500.

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Add-On Module Program

Our wide range of optional courses lets you add to your core training with focused, hands-on instruction in the areas that matter most to you. From aerobatics to floatplane ratings, spin training to vintage flying, we provide the expert guidance and the specialized aircraft you need to build those skills.
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Every pilot has their own goals, and with TacAero’s Add-On Module Program, you can customize your training to match yours. This à la carte approach lets you choose the endorsements and advanced training that fit your aspirations, whether you're looking to earn a High-Performance Endorsement, master Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), or go further into backcountry flying.

GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY PILOTS

TacAero is a trusted training provider for U.S. government agencies, with proven experience supporting operations for the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of the Interior (DOI), and other federal entities. Our partnerships with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and various government departments demonstrate our ability to deliver mission-focused, specialized flight training.

We offer flexible programs tailored to the specific needs of agency pilots and flight departments. Whether it’s a custom course for an individual or coordinated training across multiple aircraft and crews, our experienced instructors and versatile fleet enable scalable, high-capacity training solutions. TacAero is fully equipped to run multiple concurrent sessions, making us an ideal partner for military units, agency operations, and government contractors.

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Tailwheel endorsement FAQ

How much does a tailwheel endorsement cost at TacAero?

The Basic Tailwheel Endorsement course starts at $5,500. That covers 2.5 days of one-on-one instruction: ground lessons, tailwheel simulator time and 5–6 flights in a PA-18 Super Cub, with an aircraft reserved for your training. Most flights last about an hour.

How many hours does a tailwheel endorsement take?

The FAA sets no minimum number of hours. Your instructor signs the endorsement once you can fly normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, wheel landings and go-arounds to standard. Our course builds that in 5–6 flights. Most flights last about an hour.

How long is the course?

Two and a half days. Training days start at our hangar with doors open at 8:00 am and the briefing at 8:30 am. Most pilots book 4–6 weeks ahead.

Where is the training?

At Gillespie County Airport (T82) in Fredericksburg, Texas, in the Hill Country about 90 minutes from Austin and 75 minutes from San Antonio. Flying weather here is good year-round.

I already have an endorsement. Can I take it as a refresher?

Yes. The same course works as a refresher for pilots who want to sharpen their tailwheel skills.

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