Plain English Meaning

A small wheel under the back of the airplane that holds the tail off the ground and helps steer while the airplane is rolling on the ground.

Full Definition

A small wheel mounted at the rear of an airplane's fuselage that supports the tail when the aircraft is on the ground. On tailwheel-configured airplanes (often called taildraggers), it replaces the nosewheel of a tricycle-gear airplane and is typically steerable, linked to the rudder pedals to allow directional control during taxi, takeoff, and landing rolls.

Context Anchor

Seen when describing airplanes with the main wheels forward and a small wheel at the tail, especially during ground handling, taxi, takeoff, and landing discussions.