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Flight Training · Advanced Skills

Tailwheel &
Aerobatics

Build stick-and-rudder skills that most modern pilots never develop. Tailwheel endorsements and aerobatic training in the Bellanca Citabria — the aircraft built for it.

Tailwheel Endorsement Aerobatic Capable Bellanca Citabria Spin Training
5–10Hrs for Endorsement
No Min.FAA Hour Minimum
~$1,750Endorsement Cost
PrivatePrerequisite
100 HPCitabria Engine

Overview

The Art of Flying

Tailwheel aircraft demand a level of coordination, awareness, and skill that tricycle-gear flying simply can't teach. A tailwheel endorsement fundamentally improves your ability to handle any airplane on the ground and in the air.

At Harford Air, tailwheel and aerobatic training is conducted in the Bellanca Citabria — a two-seat tandem aircraft built for exactly this kind of flying.

Aerobatic training covers loops, rolls, chandelles, lazy eights, and spins. Spin training is included in tailwheel endorsement courses and is required for CFI applicants.

1

Ground Briefing

Understand tailwheel handling, sight picture, and ground loop avoidance.

2

Taxi & Takeoff

Build directional control and rudder discipline.

3

Three-Point Landings

Master the classic full-stall landing.

4

Wheel Landings

Learn main-gear-first landings for crosswinds and precision.

5

Endorsement

Earn your logbook endorsement when proficient.

What's Covered

Skills You'll Build

✓
Tailwheel Ground HandlingS-turns, straight taxi, and crosswind technique with a tailwheel.
✓
Three-Point LandingsThe classic full-stall landing on all three wheels simultaneously.
✓
Wheel LandingsMain gear first, for crosswinds and short field operations.
✓
Crosswind OperationsThe tailwheel's unique crosswind demands build instinctive rudder coordination.
✓
Spin Entry & RecoveryIntentional spin training — know what a spin feels like and how to get out.
✓
Aerobatics (Optional)Loops, rolls, chandelles, and lazy eights in the aerobatic-certified Citabria.
✓
Tandem Cockpit FlyingDevelop sight picture and awareness from the rear seat — then front seat solo.
✓
FAA Logbook EndorsementAuthorization to act as PIC in tailwheel aircraft.

Why Tailwheel?

  • Opens up thousands of tailwheel aircraft to rent or fly
  • Builds crosswind and rudder coordination that transfers to all planes
  • Required for warbirds, bush planes, and classic aircraft
  • The most fun you'll have in a small airplane

Aircraft & Rates

Train in the Citabria

The Citabria is tailwheel, tandem-seat, and aerobatic-certified — a perfect aircraft for sharpening control feel and learning classic stick-and-rudder flying.

AircraftSoloDual
Bellanca Citabria$194/hr$269/hr
CFI Fee—Included above

Ready to Fly Tailwheel?

Contact us to schedule your tailwheel or aerobatics training. Our instructors specialize in both disciplines.

Schedule Training View the Citabria