Flight schools near NYC with taildraggers?

[DHOA]

Hi everyone,

Please forgive me if I sound like an amateur! I'm new to this and am looking for guidance.

I live in the New York area and have taken one flight lesson in KGBR Great Barrington. I fell in love with flying in Kenya and my dream is to be able to fly a taildragger/bush plane. The issue with Great Barrington is this: it takes me two-and-half hours each way and often they cancel on me due to wind conditions (though I do love the small-town vibe!).

My questions are as follows:
1. Where can I learn to fly a taildragger near NYC? (Cessna 180/182)
There seem to be plenty of options, but I want to learn with the best.

2.Ideally, I'd like to learn at a non-towered airport AND a towered airport. I've looked around and it appears that mastering both are integral to being a good pilot. Is this possible?

2. Also, is there any downside to learning on a tailwheel first?

Many thanks in advance!
DHOA

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

2.Ideally, I'd like to learn at a non-towered airport AND a towered airport. I've looked around and it appears that mastering both are integral to being a good pilot. Is this possible?

I would think so

2. Also, is there any downside to learning on a tailwheel first?

Other than it will be hard to find one to solo - no. You could do your initial work in a tailwheel then transition to a nosewheel in an hour or so to do your solo work without the insurance problems.

 

[skier]

Andover Flight in Andover, NJ has a good reputation. I did my tail wheel rating there and was very happy with them. When I did my training there, the had a bush flying program. I believe they still do.
http://www.andoverflight.com/