Originally Posted by alan2525

This photograph of a 109 is rare evidence of the unusual seating position taken by trainee pilots due to the lack of dual seat ME109 advanced trainers. The unusual seating position, with the pilot clinging to the tailwheel was facilitated by the tail bracing struts and use of non retracting tailwheel. Many pilots preferred this location as the uninterrupted 360 degree field of view offered real benefits in a dogfight situation. Many Luftwaffe aircraft featured non fully retractable tailwheels to enable this unusual seating position.