A Few Aussie Observations on Subject
The comments about runways and crosswinds are true for here too. It's just too difficult. Friend of mine tried it, and lost both aircraft to groundloops. I think a lot of the problem is related to traffic induced 'rushing' the approach and arrival. In the good old days,(when I learned to fly at Archerfield,Qld), it was an allover field, radio control minimal,and t/w aircraft had no problems.
For the last 12 years, I've specialised in tailwheel conversions,plus low level training at a non-radio, no traffic site with 15 different strips,(200m to 800m). We have used a C152 Texas Taildragger for 300 hrs, but it wasn't a success, and we changed over to a C170A, which is just delightful. I also have a 160HP Supercub online, and this is a neat little trainer. Just to complete the range, I have a 180HP/CSU VANS RV-6, which I don't rent, but will allow some ICUS time in.
We enjoy the luxury of being able to train at our own pace, and I'm able to select the x/w, the strip 'difficulty', and nominate the type of landing at will. Being able to roll out to a full stop, then make a 180, and taxi back to go, all the while discussing the performance, means the student learns so much better. No pressure - other than the actual job at hand.
The other aspect about t/w training is that in our system, there is no requirement to send the student off solo in order to complete the type endorsement. There was - back in the good old days, and this ensured that instructors were considerably more thorough than I think they are at present. Luckily, we've negotiated a better insurance deal, and so I do send students off solo if the conditions are suitable, and we can select an into wind strip. I find that a few circuits solo is great for their confidence, and we can then get stuck into the crosswind training. I feel this solo really helps.
Unless the instructor is good and current on t/w types, it's suicidal to try instructing on them. Many have tried, and the majority have bent something. You really need to be flying one every week or so - which is again my good luck, as I use the 170 for about 200 hrs annually flying into farms to consult to clients. I do not subscribe to the ability, under our CAO's, of an instructor being immediately able to endorse on t/w type once they themselves have been endorsed. It's crazy thinking on the part of our CASA to allow it.
Does t/w flying improve a pilot's skills? Too right it does! I get great satisfaction from converting the '2 left feet', 'Piper feet', or '2 on the floor' brigade into real pilots. The big grin after the first solo is one of the more satisfying aspects of t/w training.
Tailwheels forever! Cheers,