What are your rates?

Our rates are $225/hr for N94941A (Cessna 140A) and Instructor and $150/hr for NC3308C (Piper J3 Cub). All ground instruction is $75/hr or instruction in your aircraft. Our day rate is $900/day (ferry flights, all day instruction, etc.) plus travel and food.

What tailwheel aircraft do you have experience with?

Ben has over 1,100 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, Globe Swift and Aviat Husky.

Casey has 700+ total hours with over 200hrs in tailwheel aircraft including the Piper J3, Super Cub, Cessna 140, Cessna 170, Citabria and Super Decathlon.

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 us and we can arrange scheduling a Discovery Flight for your relative or friend. Typical cost is $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, Ben is a CFII (Certificated Flight Instructor - Instrument) single engine land.

Why do you teach in tailwheel airplanes?

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 we might have a bias.

Where are you based?

We are 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?

We can is the answer. But our Cessna 140 does not currently qualify as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and our Piper J3 does but we do not carry insurance for student solos in it. So, a student would need to supply their own LSA aircraft for the checkride. Read more here about the different types of pilot licenses.

Do you rent your airplane?

Yes, we rent the 1950 Cessna 140A, to qualified pilots for $165/hr (rate includes fuel). A checkout and standard rental agreement is required. Sorry we do not offer discounts for block hour purchase. The Piper J3 is not available for solo rental due to insurance restrictions.

Do you offer spin endorsements?

Not presently.

What’s your favorite coffee?

Any of the current offerings from Crema Coffee Roasters. We always 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 we’re not drinking Crema coffee we seek out coffees from George Howell.

Am I to old / young?

We’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?

Our 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. The Piper J3 can accommodate heavier individuals but is harder to get in and out of.

How many hours do you have?

Ben has over 1,700 hours total time, 1,100+ in tailwheel airplanes and 700+ hours instructing in tailwheel. His 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?

We’re more scared by four way stops in Nashville! Just joking (not really). While progress is still needed the NTSB recently found that General Aviation accidents continue to decrease year over year. Safety is our primary focus as Instructors.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Send us an email: hello@driftaviation.com.