What are your rates?

My rates are $225/hr for the airplane and Instructor (that’s me!) and $75/hr for all other instruction including ground instruction or instruction in your aircraft. My day rate is $900/day (ferry flights, all day instruction, etc.) plus travel and food.

What tailwheel aircraft do you have experience with?

I’ve have over 1,000 hours time in these type tailwheel aircraft: Piper J3C, J4, PA12, PA18, Van’s RV6-9, Cessna 140/A, Cessna 170A, 170B, Decathlon 8KCAB, Pitts S2B, Pitts Model 12, Aeronca Champ, AirCam, CubCrafter Sport Cub and CubCrafter Carbon Cub SS and Aviat Husky.

Is it harder to learn in a tailwheel airplane?

They say half the answer is a good question, so maybe a better question might be: is learning in a tricycle gear airplane too easy? Probably. Is it harder to learn in a tailwheel airplane, maybe. It does require special attention to detail such as coordination. The precision required for tailwheel flying necessitates a more skillful pilot who is more attentive to the aircraft and ultimately demonstrates better airmanship.

Can I gift a flight?

Yes! Contact me and we can arrange scheduling a Discovery Flight for your relative or friend. Typical cost is $200-300. You might also be interested in this curated list of Aviation Gifts that Don’t Suck.

How many hours does it take to get a tailwheel endorsement?

Students average approximately 8-10 hours to acquire the skills necessary to be a safe and competent tailwheel pilot. Training also includes approximately 2 hours of ground instruction.

Can you teach instrument flying?

Yes, I am a CFII (Certificated Flight Instructor - Instrument) single engine land.

Why do you teach in a tailwheel airplane?

Tailwheel airplanes are more fun! They have improved short field landing capabilities because of the lack of a nose wheel which opens up the possibilities of landing at numerous small grass airfields. They require more attention to details which in turn develops a better pilot. Keep in mind, they’re only different on the ground, in the air it’s just another airplane! A better looking airplane than all of those nose draggers…but I might have a bias.

Where are you based?

I am based at Music City Executive Airport (KXNX) in Gallatin Tennessee about 40mins northeast of Nashville. Often referred to as the Gallatin Airport, there are many advantages to flying here including less traffic and a well maintained runway and facility.

Do you teach Sport Pilots?

I can is the answer. But my plane does not currently qualify as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) so a student would need to supply his/her own LSA aircraft for the checkride. Read more here about the different types of pilot licenses.

Do you rent your airplane?

Yes, I rent my plane, a 1950 Cessna 140A, to qualified pilots for $165/hr (rate includes fuel). A checkout and standard rental agreement is required. I’m sorry I do not offer discounts for block hour purchase.

Do you offer spin endorsements?

Not presently.

What’s your favorite coffee?

Any of the current offerings from Crema Coffee Roasters. I lean towards the honey style processed coffees of Costa Rica and anything from Yemen. Try any of these and/or always seek out your local roaster! And when I’m not drinking Crema coffee I seek out coffees from George Howell.

Am I to old / young?

I’ve had students as young as seven and as old as seventy seven! You’re never too old to feel young again and you’re never too young to learn something for the first time.

Will I fit in your airplane?

My 1950 Cessna 140A has a maximum gross weight of 1,500lbs, an empty weight of 1,051lbs, leaving a useful weight of 450lbs. If you’re more than 210lbs or more than 6’ 3” tall this may not be the plane for you.

How many hours do you have?

I have over 1,500 hours total time, 1,000+ in tailwheel airplanes and 700+ hours instructing in tailwheel. My favorite airplane will likely always be a Piper J3 Cub no matter what!

Do you have commercial insurance?

Yes and students and renters are required to obtain a standard non-owned rental policy that includes aircraft physical damage (hull) coverage of at least $45k. A flight instruction agreement is also required.

Is flying in small airplanes safe?

I’m more scared by four way stops in Nashville! I’m joking (not really). While progress is still needed the NTSB recently found that General Aviation accidents continue to decrease year over year. Safety is my primary focus as an Instructor.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Send me an email: ben@flywithben.com.