FAA Ground School Practice Test

For a tailwheel airplane, what is the requirement for the takeoffs and landings made to meet recent experience for carrying passengers?

1. Must be done at night

2. Must be to a full stop

3. Must be completed in bad weather

4. Must be done on a specific runway

The correct answer is: Must be to a full stop

For a tailwheel airplane, the requirement that recent experience for carrying passengers includes takeoffs and landings made to a full stop is crucial for ensuring that the pilot is proficient and capable of handling the unique challenges presented by tailwheel aircraft. Tailwheel airplanes have different handling characteristics compared to tricycle-gear airplanes, particularly during takeoff and landing phases. Performing takeoffs and landings to a full stop allows pilots to demonstrate their ability to effectively manage the aircraft during these critical phases of flight, ensuring they are accustomed to the aircraft's performance, handling, and response. This requirement also helps reinforce skills such as directional control and the use of appropriate techniques for dealing with ground handling issues that may arise with tailwheel configurations. Other options, such as conducting these maneuvers at night or in poor weather conditions, do not specifically enhance the pilot's ability to operate a tailwheel aircraft. Moreover, being required to perform on a specific runway is not a standard requirement for recent experience; the focus is instead on the quality and full execution of the maneuvers in a variety of situations that reflect actual flying conditions.