Propeller Flying

Propeller Flying (プロペラ飛行), also called Airman Tails (ヘリテイル), Heli-Tails, Propeller Flight (プロペラ飛行), and just Fly (フライ), is Miles "Tails" Prower's signature move which has appeared in various games in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. When using this move, Tails uses his unique twin tails to achieve flight like a helicopter.

Description
When performing Propeller Flying, Tails twirls his twin tails around like rotary blades, thus creating a lift that lets him fly around in the air like a helicopter. While in flight due to Propeller Flying, Tails can move at speeds rivaling that of Sonic the Hedgehog.

In gameplay, Propeller Flying allows the player to move through the air in any direction with no restrictions, reach higher places that would be otherwise unreachable, traverse over large gaps and bottomless pits, or even in some chases damage enemies. In most cases however, there is a limit to how long Tails can stay airborne with Propeller Flying; after flying non-stop for a while, Tails becomes too exhausted to maintain this move (the circumstances for that differs between games), causing him to slowing drop down automatically.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The first time the move was used was in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, whilst playing as Sonic and Tails, though, it had not been giving a name at that point. However, the move is unusable by the player and is only used when Tails dies or falls too far behind Sonic.

In the 2013 re-release though, the player is able to perform the move like in the later games.

Sonic Chaos
The move later reappeared in Sonic Chaos as a usable move for the player where it is called Airman Tails. In this game, the player can achieve flight as Tails by pressing the D-pad up and then press either Button 1 or 2. The player can then move around in the air with the D-pad. However, Tails can only remain airborne for five seconds before slowly descending.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3
In Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and the lock-on Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, Propeller Flying appeared again as a playable move, though it is not given a name. To perform the move in gameplay, the player has to use Spin Jump and then press either, or  to achieve flight. The player then has to continue tapping the buttons to make Tails ascend, or let go to descend. While airborne, the player can control Tails' movements with the D-pad, though Tails will fall to the ground after a while. From then on, Propeller Flying is typically performed this way in all the following games.

If flying upwards into either bosses or enemies and hitting them with Tails' twirling twin tails, the player can inflict damage on them or destroy them respectively. Additionally, while playing as Sonic the Hedgehog and Tails in the multiplayer, the move can be used to carry Sonic, allowing both players to reach secret areas that Sonic wouldn't be able to reach on his own.

Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble
The move appeared again in Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, where it is called Heli-Tails. Like in Sonic Chaos, the player has to press up on the D-pad and then press either Button 1 or 2 to take flight. From there, Tails will remain airborne and his movements can be controlled with the D-pad. After flying for a while though, Tails will automatically descend to the ground. Noticeably, Tails can also perform Heil-Tails in while midair, though doing so means he cannot move upward.

Tails Adventure
In Tails Adventure, the move is again called Heli-Tails. To perform Heli-Tails in gameplay, the player can either press Button 2 twice or hold up on the D-pad and press Button 2. The player can then direct Tails' flight direction with the D-pad. While in flight, the player can attack with bombs or drop back to the ground by pressing Button 2.

In Tails Adventure, the time Tails can remain airborne with Heli-Tails is measured by the Flight Gauge which deplete while flying; when the Flight Gauge hits empty, Tails can no longer use Heli-Tails and will drop to the ground. The Flight Gauge and the duration of Heli-Tails can be extended by collecting the Chaos Emeralds.

Sonic Adventure
Propeller Flying appeared again in Sonic Adventure and its remake Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut where it is called Propeller Flight. To perform it in gameplay, the player has to press the A Button during the Spin Jump. While airborne, the player can direct Tails with the movement controls. Also, holding the A Button while using Propeller Flight increases upward altitude while not doing anything will make Tails fall slowly down. Also, pressing the B/X Button while flying will make Tails suddenly lose altitude. After using it for a while though, Tails will get tired and suddenly drop to the ground.

When using this move, the player gains a much greater ascension than in other games, allowing the player to reach high places rather quickly. Also, if obtaining the Jet Anklet, Tails can move even faster when using Propeller Flight.

Sonic Adventure 2
In Sonic Adventure 2, Tails cannot use the flying move outside of a Chao Garden. In this game, he never tires and as such, the player may fly around continuously.

Sonic Advance Series
The move made an appearance in all three titles in the Sonic Advance series where it is called Propeller Flying. To perform it in gameplay, the player has to press during a Spin Jump to take flight. The player can then either continuously tap to ascend, or let go to descend. While flying, Tails can be directed with the D-pad. After flying for a while though, Tails falls to the ground. Also, like in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the player can inflict damage on both bosses and enemies by flying Tails' spinning twin tails directly into them.

In Sonic Advance 3, Tails can only use Propeller Flight when having Sonic as his partner, though he can use different variations of Propeller Flying when partnered up with different characters as well. Tails can also carry other characters whilst flying when the player uses their Tag Action.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
Propeller Flying appeared again in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) where it is called Fly. To use the move in gameplay, the player has to press / during a jump. The player can then use the left stick to move in any direction and as well press / to ascend or let go to descend. After flying for a while though, Tails will get tired and drop to the ground. While flying, the player can use the Dummy Ring Blitz.

Sonic the Hedgehog CD
Propeller Flying appeared in the 2011 re-release of Sonic the Hedgehog CD. The move functions identically to that of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles.

Sonic Generations
In the console/PC version of Sonic Generations, Propeller Flying can be used during the Challenge Act Tails: Toxic Skies. Here, the player summons Classic Tails who must carry Classic Sonic through the air using this move. To use in Propeller Flying in gameplay, the player must repeated tap / to fly up. In this game, Tails can fly indefinitely without any time limit.

Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
Propeller Flying appeared in the 2013 re-release of the original Sonic the Hedgehog. The move functions identically to that of the 2011 re-release of Sonic the Hedgehog CD.

Swimming
Swimming, or the Dog Paddle, is a move performed by Tails whilst underwater. The move is performed in the exact manner as flying and allows Tails to ascend whilst underwater. While performing the move in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Tails cannot carry Sonic. Any attempt to do so will cause both characters to sink.

Hyper Heli-Tails
Hyper Heli-Tails is a special power-up exclusive to Tails in Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble. The power up functions exactly the same as Sonic's Rocket Shoes and replaces them and the Snowboard when playing as Tails.

Hover
Hover is an ability used by Charmy in Knuckles' Chaotix in conjunction with his flying ability. The ability can be used by Charmy whilst the player is airborne and is executed by holding the C button. Whilst hovering, the player can move Charmy around in eight directions and when the D-pad isn't pressed, the player will slowly descend to the ground. As with Charmy's flying ability, Charmy does not tire when hovering and the move can be used indefinitely.

High Propeller Flying
High Propeller Flying is a move used by Tails whilst partnered with Cream in Sonic Advance 3. Unlike Tails' conventional flying ability, the High Propeller Flying allows the player to reach greater heights, however, whilst performing the move, Tails will tire quicker.

Hammer Propeller Flying
Hammer Propeller Flying is a move used by Tails whilst partnered with Amy Rose in Sonic Advance 3. Hammer Propeller Flying functions exactly the same as standard Propeller Flying, except that the player can also use Tails' Piko Piko Hammer by pressing while flying.

Tail Copter
The Tail Copter is Tails' signature move in Sonic Rivals 2. It is performed by pressing repeatedly; the move allows Tails to quickly ascend up vertical areas and can only be performed until the Signature Meter runs out.

As with all signature moves, this ability can also be performed by Metal Sonic with own signature move Copycat when racing against Tails.

Copter Combo
The Copter Combo is the air Tag Action performed by Sonic and Tails in Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II. Like Tails' air Tag Action in Sonic Advance 3, Tails carries Sonic around whilst flying. In contrast to the usual mechanics, Tails only tires out when the jump button is pressed repeatedly in quick succession, meaning if the player uses the jump button sparingly, Tails will not tire out too quickly. It should be noted that when Tails flies on his own, the game uses the standard mechanics as opposed this.

Archie Comics
Propeller Flying commonly appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, though it is not named. Much like in the games, only Tails can perform it due to his unique mutation.

In this media, Tails first learned to use Propeller Flying when he was young child. While hanging out with the young Knothole Freedom Fighters, Sonic was the first to suggest that Tails could use his twin-tails helicopter rotors to fly. With Sonic creating an updraft, Tails learned how to use his twin-tails for flight, thus discovering the Propeller Flying.