Tailwheel Training
Stick and rudder flying
Overview
Tailwheel Conversion & Training
We teach on our 1946 Cessna 140 — demanding enough to build real tailwheel skill, with instructors who can recover when a landing gets out of shape. Certificate and tailwheel sign-off on completion; solo hire on the C140 afterwards. When you have mastered the 140, convert to our Fairchild Argus for a classic tailwheel step-up.
Timeframes
Timelines and Duration.
5
Hours engine running time
1
Hour pre-flight theory (at aircraft)
2
Hours pre- and post-flight briefing
Costs
Course Pricing.
Course price (C140)
£1,075
Based on Cessna 140. See price includes and excludes below.
Price includes
- 5 hours engine running time on Cessna 140 per course structure
- Ground school, pre-flight theory at the aircraft and briefing time
- Certificate of completion and tailwheel sign-off when standard is met
Price excludes
- Landing fees at Fowlmere
- Additional £25/hr when training for an EASA licence
- Extra dual or solo time if you need more than the standard package
- Training in your own aircraft — £100/hr (contact us)
- Fairchild Argus conversion after the C140 course — priced separately
Current solo and dual hire rates are on our pricing page.
Aircraft
Meet the Training Fleet.
Course Details
Structure and Certifications.
Prerequisites
- PPL(A) or LAPL
Ground school
- Aircraft systems
- Tailwheel theory
- Tailwheel taxiing technique
- Tailwheel take-off and landing techniques
- Pre-flight briefings
- Post-flight briefings
Flight exercises
- Start-up, taxi (weaving), take-off
- Aircraft familiarisation, stalls, side-slips
- Normal, crosswind, wheeler and short field landings
- Emergencies / PFLs
Frequenty Asked Questions
Your questions answered.
Why train on the Cessna 140?
It teaches proper tailwheel technique rather than a overly benign type that hides bad habits. When it gets out of shape, our instructors can recover safely — you learn the right lessons without damaging the aircraft.
What about the Fairchild Argus?
After you complete the C140 conversion and sign-off, you can convert to our 1944 Argus for a classic tailwheel step-up. Ask us when you book the main course.
Can I hire the C140 solo after the course?
Yes — subject to our usual solo hire requirements, you can wet hire the Cessna 140 once you have completed the course and received your tailwheel sign-off.
Does this count as a bi-annual instructor flight?
Yes — the course can be used as your bi-annual instructor trip where that applies to your licence.
What if I need more time?
Some students need extra sorties to reach our standard. Extra dual or solo time is charged at current hire rates on the pricing page.
Can I train in my own aircraft?
Yes — use of your own aircraft is £100 per hour. Contact us to discuss suitability and insurance.
How do I book?
Email bookings@britishaerobaticacademy.com or call +44 (0)1763 208 281.