How to wheel land a tailwheel airplane

Tailwheel airplanes are notoriously difficult to land. This is especially true for novices pilots. The wheel landing is most often used, and requires the pilot to first land on the two front wheels before lowering the tailwheel to the ground.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tailwheel airplane
• Tailwheel airplane instructor
• Suitable runway

How to Wheel Land a Tailwheel Airplane

1. Approach the landing as usual, reducing power to idle as you cross the threshold.

2. Add 100-300 RPM just before you begin your flare to give yourself better control on your rate of descent.

3. Lower the front wheels of the plane to the runway evenly and slowly and avoid hovering.

4. Apply slight forward pressure to the yoke immediately upon the front wheels touching down on the runway.

5. Reduce the power to idle.

6. Allow the plane to roll on its front wheels as the plane slows.

7. Lower the tailwheel to the runway after the plane has slowed down below flying speed.

8. Apply full back pressure on the yoke in order to hold the tailwheel to the runway.

Tips & Warnings

• With increased experience you will be able to skip Step 2.
• Attempt the wheel land first on grass before trying it on a paved runway.
• If you bounce into the air after touching down with your front wheels, simply lower them back to the runway and apply forward pressure on the yoke as they touch down.
• There is an inherent potential for danger when it comes to flying any plane, let alone smaller aircraft. Make sure you are an experienced pilot before attempting this landing. If you are not experienced, make sure you have a capable tailwheel flight instructor on board.

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