Tail Wheel Conversion Course
Tail Wheel Training at BFC
The Tail Wheel Conversion Course is available to holders of a Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP) or higher. Flying a conventional-gear (tail wheel) aircraft is a rewarding skill that will make you a better, more coordinated pilot. Many pilots consider it the most fun you can have in a small airplane.
The Aircraft: Bellanca 7ECA Citabria
BFC operates a Bellanca 7ECA Citabria for tail wheel training. The Citabria is a two-seat, high-wing, fabric-covered aircraft with a tail wheel configuration. It is also aerobatic-capable, making it a versatile training platform.
- Two-seat tandem configuration
- 115 HP Lycoming engine
- Conventional (tail wheel) landing gear
- Aerobatic capable
Course Content
The tail wheel conversion course includes both ground instruction and flight training focused on the unique characteristics of conventional-gear aircraft:
Ground Instruction
- Torque, P-factor, and gyroscopic precession effects specific to tail wheel aircraft
- Centre of gravity differences compared to tricycle-gear aircraft
- Ground handling and taxiing techniques
- Crosswind considerations
Flight Training
- Three-point takeoffs and landings
- Wheel landings
- Crosswind takeoffs and landings
- Short-field and soft-field operations
- Go-around procedures
- Slips to landing
- Emergency procedures specific to the Citabria
Prerequisites
- Hold a valid Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP) or higher
- Valid aviation medical certificate
- Current BFC membership
- Meet BFC currency requirements
Citabria Checkout Exam
Interested?
Contact the front desk at 905-838-1400 ext 0 to arrange tail wheel training or to request an instructor assignment.