What must a private pilot with ASEL ratings do before acting as pilot in command of a tailwheel airplane?

A private pilot with ASEL (Airplane Single Engine Land) ratings must receive training and a logbook endorsement before acting as pilot in command of a tailwheel airplane. This requirement is in place because tailwheel aircraft have different handling characteristics compared to tricycle-gear airplanes. The endorsement ensures that the pilot has received the necessary instruction and has demonstrated proficiency in operating a tailwheel aircraft, which can involve unique challenges such as ground handling and landing techniques.

Training typically includes both ground instruction and flight training with an instructor who is familiar with tailwheel operations. The logbook endorsement serves as an official record that the pilot has completed this training and is legally authorized to operate a tailwheel airplane. In the aviation community, this endorsement is an important step to enhance safety, ensuring that pilots are adequately prepared before flying these types of aircraft.

The other options are not required steps a private pilot must take in this scenario. There is no written exam specifically mandated for tailwheel operations, nor is a medical certificate uniquely required for tailwheel aircraft beyond what is necessary for any other flight. Additionally, notifying the FAA is not a prerequisite for piloting a tailwheel airplane; the process relies on securing the appropriate training and endorsement instead.