Learn Tailwheel

with Paul Santopietro

"Where Flying Gets Real"

learntailwheel@gmail.com

CAPTAIN PAUL - (401) 487-7733

There is flying, and then there is tailwheel flying. Tailwheel, also known as “conventional gear” or "taildragger" is like going back to the early days of aviation, when flying was pure and equal parts art and skill. More than that however, tailwheel flying allows you to truly master all of the skills you’ll need to be a fully proficient pilot. Located half the year in New England and the other half in Central Florida, Learn Tailwheel will give you a great tailwheel experience. And for entry level pilots, "Captain Paul's Flight School and Tailwheel Academy" is our foundational flying school and a great place to start. Private pilot training in a tailwheel aircraft with Paul Santopietro will teach you the key fundamentals you'll need to become a safe proficient pilot.

teaching you to fly is what we dO.

helping you learn tailwheel is what we love.

About Paul Santopietro (Captain Paul)

Paul Santopietro was born to teach flying.

In fact after having his first lesson, he was so taken with being in the air that he completed his private pilot’s license in just 13 weeks. Fast-forward 30-some years and he now has more than 27,000 hours total time as a pilot with more than 17,000 of that in tail wheel aircraft. His ratings are almost as numerous as his PIC hours including ATP, Commercial Glider, Single Engine Land, Single Engine Sea and he’s a CFI, CFII and MEI. He has flown many aircraft types and ferried planes all over the country and Mexico.

When you’re training with "Captain Paul" you know you are flying with someone vastly experienced and deeply proficient. Paul has more than 10,000 hours of instruction, two thirds of that in tailwheel aircraft. It’s also quickly apparent that he loves to fly and to teach flying, especially the important nuances that are an integral part of tailwheel flying. If you're ready to learn tailwheel, Paul is ready to help.

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Learn Tailwheel Locations

RHODE ISLAND – QUONSET STATE AIRPORT

During the warm months, from May to October our operations move north to Rhode Island. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful place to learn to fly tailwheel. Flight operations are located at Quonset State Airportk (OQU), overlooking the beautiful Naragansett Bay.

At Quonset we offer private training in tailwheel aircraft as well as tailwheel endorsements in the Citabria 7GCBC. With the long summer days, there are plenty of hours for flying and we can schedule your sessions to fit your schedule. Some pilots arrange their training to coincide with their summer vacations, while others book a more intensive daily schedule, with training as the main goal. Either way, you will love the experience flying above this beautiful part of the New England coast.

EDGEWATER, FL – MASSEY RANCH AIRPARK

When the weather turns cold up north, our flight operations move south to the warm and inviting Central Florida coast, specifically the Massey Ranch Airpark (X50) in Hangar C10. Just miles from the Atlantic coast, our location is a great place for beginning your training or getting your tailwheel endorsement.

In Florida as in Rhode Island, we also provide private tailwheel training and endorsements in the Citabria. The weather is great for flying and we can schedule your sessions to fit your schedule. Some students and pilots schedule a break from the winter weather and head south to spend several days flying with Captain Paul in Florida. Plan now to get some tailwheel experience at Massey Ranch Airpark..

Use map for directions to Quonset State Airport.

Use map for directions to Massey Ranch Airpark.

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Learn Tailwheel - Flight Training

Citabria 7GCBC

PRIVATE PILOT TRAINING with Captain Paul in a tailwheel aircraft

(CONTACT FOR RATES)

Citabria 7GCBC

TAILWHEEL TRAINING / TAILWHEEL ENDORSEMENT

(CONTACT FOR RATES)

Additional Services

Airplane Ferry Service

(CONTACT FOR RATES)

Tailwheel training at your location (anywhere in North America) in either your airplane or mine. "Have airplane will travel."

(CONTACT FOR RATES)

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Reviews

“Thank you Captain Paul for the most enjoyable flight. Having recently retired from 41 years of airline flying, I am now focused on getting back into GA. I have a lot of rust build up and Captain Paul worked with me to knock some of it off. He is a master of the art of flying and instructing. Those who fly with Captain Paul will receive the absolute best foundation to build your airmanship skills.”

- Jack Chernow (American Airlines, retired)

“Paul is a highly proficient tailwheel pilot and one of the best at taking a student through the process of gaining the required skills for a taildragger. He patiently and persistently walks the student through the techniques required to attain the skills for safe and capable tailwheel flying. "It's all about your feet" and "look down the runway" will be heard time and time again. Paul will demonstrate the various procedures and then work with you to gain the knowledge and skills.”

- Patrick Pinkston

“Paul is one of the greatest CFIs I ever got to fly with. Every lesson was not just learning but a lot of fun. Highly recommend!!”

- Nikolett Ficze

“Hands down the best guy for tailwheel training!!! Extremely proficient, patient, friendly, and a great person to be around!”

- JT Townsend

Contact

TO contact Paul directly, call (401) 487-7733 or simply fill out the form below for more information about learn tailwheel.

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