Taildraggers: Flying the Hard-to-Fly (AFH Ch. 14)

Tailwheel airplanes aren't harder to fly — they're just brutally honest. Chapter 14: why the aft CG makes a taildragger want to swap ends, ground loops and how they start, three-point versus wheel landings, and the rudder discipline that tailwheel flying installs in every pilot who learns it.In this episode:Why taildraggers swerve: the CG behind the mains and directional divergence The ground loop: how it starts, how it grows, and catching it early Three-point landings versus wheel landings — and when each earns its keep Takeoffs: the tail comes up, the gyroscopic yaw arrives, the feet answer Taxiing in wind: stick position and never trusting a quartering tailwindSources: FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Chapter 14. Also referenced: **Handbook edition:** FAA-H-8083-3C (Airplane Flying Handbook).; **Regulations cited on-air:** 14 CFR 61.31(i) — tailwheel endorsement: training + logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor covering normal/crosswind takeoffs and landings, wheel landings (unless manufacturer recommends against), and go-arounds.; **Episode description disclosure:** Maya and Rico are AI-generated hosts. Episodes are produced from official FAA public-domain source material. Education and entertainment only — not flight instruction; always consult your CFI and the current FAR/AIM.. Current as of August 2026 — always verify against the current FAR/AIM.Maya and Rico are AI-generated hosts. Episodes are produced from official FAA public-domain source material. Education and entertainment only — not flight instruction; always consult your CFI and the current FAR/AIM.