Before flying corporate jets and airliners, long summer days spent towing banners along the Jersey Shore provided an accelerated education in stick-and-rudder aviation. That first job as a professional pilot taught Kevin Laufer timeless lessons in aeronautical decision-making, precision, teamwork, and humility.
Tailwheel Legends
Tailwheel legends are those aviators who take the time to pass down their wisdom to the next generation one airplane, one lesson, and one conversation at a time.
The Influencer
Aviation has always had influencers, even if nobody called them that. I’m not talking about the ones building a brand or trying to gather followers, however. The original aviation influencers were just people who cared enough to take a younger pilot under their wing, pass along what mattered, and leave a mark that lasted. That was certainly true in my case.
Why I Love Tailwheel Flying
I’ve long believed tailwheel flying is more than just a gear configuration. It is a discipline, a mindset, and in many ways its own culture within aviation.