I’m A Real “Pilot” Now! Tailwheel Endorsement

Flying a tailwheel airplane is often compared to "throwing an arrow backwards"—and if you’ve ever tried, you know it’s a wild ride! Tailwheel aircraft, or “taildraggers,” have a unique design with a small wheel at the back, making them eager to swap ends during ground handling. Unlike tricycle-gear planes, which some affectionately refer to as the “training wheels” of aviation, taildraggers demand fancy footwork on the rudder pedals to keep everything going straight.

A tailwheel endorsement is a special certification that teaches pilots to master these quirky aircraft. While it might sound intimidating, getting the endorsement doesn’t just make you a better taildragger pilot—it hones your overall flying skills and enhances your control and confidence in any aircraft. Real pilots fly taildraggers, after all!

Just ask Mike from EAA Chapter 132! He recently earned his tailwheel endorsement and is officially a “real” pilot now! No more “training wheels” for him—he’s ready to take on the skies with his newfound taildragger skills. If you’re looking to challenge yourself and expand your flying abilities, a tailwheel endorsement might just be your next adventure! ✈️ For other inspiring stories in the aviation community, visit EAA.org.

Marty King: 2024 National Aviation Technician of the Year

Marty King, from Elkhart, Indiana, has been named the 2024 National Aviation Technician of the Year. Marty's passion for aviation ignited early; he overhauled his first engine at just 15 and built his first airplane while still in high school. This early enthusiasm led him to earn his A&P/IA mechanic certificate and, in 1991, establish King Aero Inc., a general aviation service, restoration, and fabric shop.

In 2017, Marty launched an A&P intern program in partnership with Andrews University, which was soon expanded to include training programs at Lansing Community College, Western Michigan University, and Purdue University. As an FAASTeam representative, Marty stays updated on the latest aviation technologies and regularly conducts seminars to share his expertise.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to aviation, Marty was honored with the AMT of the Year award for both Michigan and Northern Indiana in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, he received the prestigious Charles M. Taylor 50-year Master Mechanic Award.

Marty is now channeling his passion for aviation into education by developing a STEM program called STAYIndiana.org. This program is designed to teach students aged 13 to 18 how to build an airplane, culminating in the unique opportunity for students to fly the aircraft they constructed and earn high school credit. Through this initiative, Marty continues to inspire and educate the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.

For more information about Marty's achievements and other inspiring stories in the aviation community, visit EAA.org.