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Conventional landing gear
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== Advantages == [[File:Dc3.takeoff.thales.arp.jpg|thumb|right|[[Douglas DC-3]], a taildragger [[airliner]]]] The tailwheel configuration offers several advantages over the [[tricycle landing gear]] arrangement, which make tailwheel aircraft less expensive to manufacture and maintain.<ref name="GroundUp"/> * Due to its position much further from the [[Center of gravity of an aircraft|center of gravity]], a tailwheel supports a smaller part of the aircraft's weight allowing it to be made much smaller and lighter than a nosewheel.<ref name="GroundUp"/> As a result, the smaller wheel weighs less and causes less [[parasitic drag]].<ref name="GroundUp"/> * Because of the way airframe loads are distributed while operating on rough ground, tailwheel aircraft are better able to sustain this type of use over a long period of time, without cumulative airframe damage occurring.<ref name="GroundUp"/> * If a tailwheel fails on landing, the damage to the aircraft will be minimal. This is not the case in the event of a nosewheel failure, which usually results in a [[prop strike]].<ref name="GroundUp"/> * Due to the increased propeller clearance on tailwheel aircraft, less stone chip damage will result from operating a conventionally geared aircraft on rough or gravel airstrips, making them well suited to [[bush flying]].<ref name="GroundUp"/> * Tailwheel aircraft are more suitable for operation on skis.<ref name="GroundUp"/> * Tailwheel aircraft are easier to fit into and maneuver inside some hangars.<ref name="GroundUp"/><ref name="Scott 2004">{{cite web|last=Scott|first=Jeff|title = Aerospace Web - Aircraft Landing Gear Layouts| url=http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/design/q0200.shtml|access-date = 2016-02-19}}</ref>
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