For the aspiring tailwheel pilot, or someone looking for a refresher on the basics, Damian DelGaizo offers Tailwheel: 101.

Recently our friends at CRAZEDpilot sent us this DVD for our review. Co-host Len Costa, being the only tailwheel pilot of the group, took the task of watching this instructional video and has these insights to offer.

But first, let’s look at the product description:

Flying low, slow, in the bush or even inverted all start with the tailwheel endorsement. Tailwheel: 101 will teach you through quality tailwheel instruction and clear high definition video exactly what is needed to achieve that amazingly fun taildragger endorsement!

Damian DelGaizo will guide you along with his student Jill through the whole process of tailwheel transition in this wonderful DVD, the first of the series, in Tailwheel:101!  No where will you find more clear DVD instruction, clear examples, and excellent video production quality that you can understand and use in your own training.

Ok, so after watching this DVD entirely, I can offer these comments.

Now, I’ve NEVER watched a training DVD before and this was my first. Admittedly it was difficult for me to get settled into the training mind set while not being in person with a CFI in front of me. After getting over the initial oddness of learning through video, I was able to follow along nicely.

DelGaizo does, what I feel is, an excellent job not only talking through his topics, but demonstrating them as well. I learn best through being shown so his techniques were extremely helpful to me in understanding the training points.

My favorite visual demonstration was his use of a spinning bicycle wheel to simulate the gyroscopic forces as they pertain to a tailwheel aircraft versus a tricycle gear aircraft. Other demonstrations included getting in different models of aircraft from the Top Cub, Sport Cub, and a Stearman to show us real life examples of ground looping, S-turn taxi techniques, and taking of and landing under various wind conditions.

The training video is fun because it takes student Jill Wood from start to finish in earning her tailwheel endorsement while we get to “ride along”. From ground instruction in the hangar with models and diagrams, to actual in-flight video showing the real struggles of a first time tailwheel student, this video helped me become reacquainted with the basic operation of a tailwheel aircraft.

It’s not often that I get to fly GA aircraft, and even less often flying a tailwheel, so training like this helps me stay educated. Of course no training DVD is a supplement for actual flight instruction and you should always fly with a competent flight instructor before attempting anything you learn from a video.

If you’re someone looking to learn about tailwheel flying, or need a refresher like myself, Tailwheel: 101 will deliver in high quality video format.

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