KitLog pro

Powered By Kitlog Pro v2.0

Ron's Web Site
' style=
Date:  6-18-2014
Number of Hours:  1.00
Manual Reference:  
Brief Description:  Replace Tailwheel

I loaded the aircraft to max weight with a relatively aft cg for a trip to Alaska, and on every landing, had tailwheel shimmy. Despite the aft loading, the kingpin angle was still forward. I spoke with IA Mitch at Precision Plus, Birchwood airport, north of Anchorage. The local tailwheel pilots, of which there are many, have had a lot of luck with what they affectionately refer to as the "Cheng Shin" wheel, which is basically a 4-ply 4.10/3.50 wheelbarrow wheel. It's locally available at the Alaska Industrial Hardware store, unfortunately with an unnecessary wheel and bracket for $54.99. The redundant materials are removed, and the Baby Bushwheel tire and tube are exchanged for the "Cheng Shin", using lithium grease on the insert and wheel to facilitate the expansion of the tire and tube. The tire pressures are run at 45-60 psi to stop the tube from bunching up and failing (which protects against shimmy, too), and the foot print is flat vs. oval, which probably makes it a larger surface area in contact. Mitch says they typically get 5 years per tire, vs. 1.5 years for the Baby Bushwheel. Mitch also gave me some tips on tightening up the tailwheel pivot bolt; basically it's tightened up until there is no side-to-side play and the breakaway is beginning to bind up. The nut is then backed up to the next cotter pin hole. Oh, and no shimmy on the next dozen flights!
' style=





' style=




' style=




' style=










Copyright © 2001-2024 Matronics. All Rights Reserved.