Passing the time during engine overhaul - Tailwheel training in Philly area?

[DXB]

I have the engine overhaul blues for my C model - it's gonna be down until at least October. 

Any recommendations for a tailwheel instructor/aircraft combo in the Philadelphia/central/south Jersey area?   I figure a tailwheel endorsement would be a nice new challenge to help pass the time, but I'm striking out on finding someone.

Any other ideas if that doesn't work out?  I don't think there's a good spot for gliders nearby.  I thought about working on commercial, but I have no "need" for the rating,  I'd get more benefit out of doing the maneuvers in my own plane rather than some crappy flight school trainer.  

[Shadrach]

4 hours ago, DXB said:

I have the engine overhaul blues for my C model - it's gonna be down until at least October. 

Any recommendations for a tailwheel instructor/aircraft combo in the Philadelphia/central/south Jersey area?   I figure a tailwheel endorsement would be a nice new challenge to help pass the time, but I'm striking out on finding someone.

Any other ideas if that doesn't work out?  I don't think there's a good spot for gliders nearby.  I thought about working on commercial, but I have no "need" for the rating,  I'd get more benefit out of doing the maneuvers in my own plane rather than some crappy flight school trainer.  

Tail draggers are great fun, especially in high wing, tandem seat configuration. Great view out of both sides while sitting in the shade. I will do pattern work in the Mooney for currency. It is infinitely more fun in a tail dragger.
Are there any tail dragger owners on the field? I would start there. The training has become pretty specialized. There are a few schools that have tail dragger instruction, but I think it’s more common for individuals that instruct in their own aircraft. Some folks take to conventional gear quickly but I’d guess on average it will take somewhere between 20 and 40 wheel landings before instructor intervention is not required. 

I do not have my commercial rating but I’ve been consistently told it is the most fun of all the ratings.

[Pinecone]

I would have said to drive a bit and come down to 0W3 in NE MD.

They have a 7GCBC and do instruction and will even rent solo with enough time.

BUT, someone managed to get a prop strike trying to do a wheel landing.  Not sure when it will be back flying.

Luckily I now have my own tailwheel airplane.

 

[dkkim73]

@DXB you are a man (?) after my own heart! 

The time I spent training in tailwheel/aero/upset was among the biggest bang-for-buck in my entire learning. I could actually fly airplanes well for a while... helped right before going to fly in Hawai'i's rather lovely crosswinds.  I did mine at a serious aerobatic school next to where I was working/training in TX. 

Wish I had connections in eastern PA. If you have schedule control you might consider finding a school and making a trip. Just a thought. I know I usually can't. 

HTH,

 

David

PS. Have a great time, regardless! 

PPS. Actually, when doing some AF familiarization training (for flight docs) they flew an instructor in with a Pitts. I would imagine that's more expensive,  but you might also look at regional instructors with their own planes. 

 

[Pinecone]

If you travel, I HIGHLY recommend combinnig it with unusual attitude/upset training.  Even more fun, and skills that could save your life

 

[M20F]

Endorsements are for the young!

[Pinecone]

13 hours ago, M20F said:

Endorsements are for the young!

I resemble that remark.

 

[A64Pilot]

Becoming tail wheel proficient whether you get the endorsement or not will make you a better pilot, because as silly as this sounds you will learn to use your feet where you most likely don’t now. You think you do, but none of us did before T/W. It’s not just during ground maneuvering either, once we start using our feet trim becomes more instinctive.

The most difficult people to learn T/W that I have seen were Military Fighter pilots.

[Pinecone]

1 hour ago, A64Pilot said:

Becoming tail wheel proficient whether you get the endorsement or not will make you a better pilot, because as silly as this sounds you will learn to use your feet where you most likely don’t now. You think you do, but none of us did before T/W. It’s not just during ground maneuvering either, once we start using our feet trim becomes more instinctive.

The most difficult people to learn T/W that I have seen were Military Fighter pilots.

YES.

And the newer ones might be better as they mainly train in the T-6A which has a big fan up front.  In the old days, they had maybe 15 hours in a T-41A (C-172) and the rest in jets (T-37 and T-38).  Not much rudder required.