Tailwheel training testimonial

Several of my friends kept telling me I should get my tailwheel endorsement. These are guys that have been flying for many years, and I'd learned to trust their opinion, especially as a rookie pilot of 250 hours. They convinced me that getting my tailwheel signoff would be fun, would help me to fly better, and would be something that is getting harder and harder to find instruction for. I've had the luck to run into a few really good flight instructors who were also really good pilots, so I knew what to look for, or at least what to hope for, in any type of additional training.  

When I ran across Tony's business card at a local FBO, I decided it was time to invest in a tailwheel endorsement. I called Tony, set up our first lesson, and was ready to impress him with my abilities as a 250 hour pilot.  

One thing for certain, if you're looking for an easy, quick, 'cookie cutter' tailwheel signoff, don't bother with Tony. His idea of tailwheel flying has a strong focus on BOTH words, tailwheel and flying. Everything from parking the plane, flying the pattern, navigation, fuel management, the 'why's and how's' of every aspect of flying. He makes you THINK. But above all else, safety. His ability to absolutely keep safety as the leading focus of his instruction, yet push the student to new levels, is rare. He's able to quickly customize his course to the student's abilities.  

Tony gives his lessons in a 1947 L-16 (Aeronca Champ) that is a story by itself. But one thing for certain, after my first lesson, I was hooked. I use the following analogy to explain to others the difference between nose wheel and tailwheel aircraft; flying a C172 versus a Champ is like a Chevy Impala compared to a motorcycle. The end result may be the same, but everything else is different, and for me, MUCH more fun, exciting, and challenging.  

I approached each lesson with a bit of anxiety, knowing that Tony would find new ways to challenge my abilities. But I left each lesson with a huge feeling of success and enjoyment, because of Tony's ability to teach and strengthen my flying abilities and self confidence.  

I have a huge amount of respect for people like Tony, who obviously have gotten a lifetime of challenge and excitement out of flying, and is giving so much back to each of their students.  

I know I'm a rookie pilot, but I can't imagine any pilot not learning something from Tony's experience, and for newer pilots, it's a lifetime chance to meet and fly with a 17,000 hour pilot, that still LOVES to fly, and truly does have a passion to pass on his abilities and experiences to others. And you can get your tailwheel signoff also.

--Baron Mills, Laurel, MD  

Ask More Questions – call Tony Markl at 1-410-482-7777 or send e-mail to markl@intercom.net.

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