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There are two main landing gear configurations for landplanes.

• In a tricycle gear, the main gear is located aft, while a nose gear is located at the front of the aircraft.
• In a conventional gear, the main gear is located forward, while a wheel is located at the far back of the tail of the aircraft. Hence the name taildragger.

This doesn’t make much difference in the air. However, a taildragger requires precise and careful control during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Alex Burton wrote an excellent article about taildragger handling characteristics and the benefits of training on conventional gear aircraft.

There is no Transport Canada requirement or rating for flying a taildragger, but most insurance companies will dictate that you get such training before insuring you as Pilot-In-Command on your taildragger. Our conversion course is designed to provide you with the skills required to safely handle your taildragger.