l2 tailwheel

[tcraft]

We have an L2 in the shop and are trying to get it certified but are stuck on the tailwheel. The TCDS calls for a Scott TA-8B but this plane has a Scott 3-24B. Thus far we haven't found any documentation that will show a cross between the two part numbers. By any chance would you know of anyone that has been down this road or have any other suggestion? Thanks.

[3Dreaming]

No cross, but a quick Google search shows that the TA-8B is a steerable tailwheel, and the 3-24B is a full swivel tailwheel. you might also want to do some digging, but the inclusion of the tailwheel on the TCDS may have come long after the airplane was built.

[sully]

Something I copied a while back.
If it's on the internet it's got to be true. Right?

Reference Civil Air Regulations CAR4 1938 for example. Those were the regulations under which my 1941 plane was certified. Section 04.442 Wheels says "Tail wheels may be of any type or model and are not certificated". CAR4a 1950 Section 4a.477 says the same thing for post WWII models. Both are certified by TCDS A-696 for BC series or TCDS A-699 for the "F" or A-700 for "L" engine planes. Apparently Airframes has Taylorcraft listed as approved models under their STC, but the STC is not a requirement per the CAR4 or 4a. The words 2000 LLC. refers to the current TCDS holder's name.

So to say it in plane language all tail wheels were approved at the time of Taylorcraft production, need not be certified and those regulations (CAR's) still apply today. That is what I heard at Blakesburg from DER Terry Bowden also.

Also AC23-27 may provide some additional information.

[Jerry Miel]

I agree with Sully, and I can confirm that the airplane only needs to meet CAR 4 standards to be airworthy. My L2 has a steerable tailwheel made by Heath, but with the Taylorcraft logo on it.

Jerry

[sully]

Additionally the TCDS for the F19/22 (1A9 Rev. 23) allows the Scott 3-24B.