Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

[KewFlyer]

All:
Looking for an attachment to tie down the tail when hand propping and then releasing the tie down when in the cockpit, similar to a banner hook located in-front of the tail wheel. The release handle in the cockpit is similar to a hand brake. Saw it today on a Tcraft but did not have the camera nor a chance to ask the pilot/owner. A very practical item.

Any ideas? I wonder if it standard equipment? Are they available?

Thanks in advance

Ralph

[mohawktipi]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

There is an ad on Barnstormers.com for plans for a retractable tie-down. No picture with it but you could contact the seller and see what he has. Just search TIE-DOWN and it should come up.

[swoeric]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

http://bannertowingequipment.com/imagelib/sitebuilder/misc/show_image.html?linkedwidth=560&linkpath=http://www.bannertowingequipment.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/aerial_banner_hitch_release.jpg&target=tlx_new

i have seen plans for many of these online but also easy to make. you could use a simple plastic handle to release it

[N96290]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

I havent tried this yet but have been told you can tie with a piece of rope a little longer than from the tail to the door with a bow knot like you tie your shoes with. After starting, get into plane, pull on end by door untieing the knot, pull rope into plane, stow behind seat.

[lfries]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

I tie her down and chalk the mains . One chalk has a rope for me to pull both at the same time. After starting I set the power to idle, check the oil pressure then remove the tie down. I walk the front strut, reach down and pull out the chalks while holding the strut. Then I get in being careful not to advance the throttle. I also manage to put a foot on the brakes while getting in.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

There are several clever ways to tie the tail with various rigs.
One simple method is to go the the marina and buy a snap shackle. The snap shackle is snapped onto anything handy at your starting point. From the shackle there are two ropes to the cockpit - one stout rope for holding the plane, and a smaller rope to release the shackle. Once you release, just pull the ropes into the cockpit.
You need some clever point in the cabin to attach the other end of the larger rope. Perhaps the diagonal brace in the door will do.

[jim cooper]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

I tie the tail down, chock one wheel, (the left one) the throttle is on idle (IDLE) I prime it 3 times (in cold weather like today) Pull it thru 4-5 times,turn the ignition on, prop it 1-2 times, it fires right off and sits there. I make SURE the throttle is on IDLE and that its secured. I walk slowly back, unhitch the rope from the tailwheel, (nylon sailboat rope),leave the rope, walk to the left front, remove the chock, get in and proceed. I carry in the airplane two lightweight aluminum chocks, each chained to gether, and another similar length of rope for traveling. I have eisman mags and they work splendidly! IF you flood the engine...this is where trouble begins I think. BE SURE after you turn the ignition off and open the throttle to clear it, pulling it thru, you return to put it back to IDLE! (I pull it thru to clear it, not backwards but forwards. 10 times. Doing it backwards is not necessary.) IF your engine is timed correctly, the carb. is working correctly, spark plugs not 20 years old and gapped correctly, it will fire right off on IDLE. BUT THEN......they are all different! JC

[KewFlyer]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

Thanks to all for your responses. Does anyone know where to purchase one of these hooks with cabin releases?.
Thanks
Ralph

[Ray36048]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

They are called banner or glider hitches. If there is a soaring operation near you, go look at one. They are very simple. They are rated for 1200 lbs. This is far more than you would ever need. But, after you see one I am sure you could build something similiar that would work.

Aircrfat Spruce sells them.......

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/towBanners.php

[KewFlyer]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

Thanks Ray.
It's similar to the one I saw. The one on the plane was smaller, aluminum like color....

Ralph

[clear_prop1961]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

Ralph- What I do is tie the tail wheel down and chock the aircraft with 1" dia rubber hoses (about 10" long) which is tied to a cord long enough to put in the cockpit. I put a 1/2" dowel on the end of the cord so it will remain in the cockpit. It is important to put the aircraft facing into the wind so that when you remove the tail wheel tie down the aircraft does not weather vane on you. After you start the engine and check oil pressure and put the throttle at idle, un-tie the tail and get in the aircraft and then just run over the rubber hose chocks (takes about 1600 to 1700rpm) and pull them in the aircraft and you are ready to go.

The only problem I see with the tow hook release is that you will be leaving pieces of rope at all the airports you visit other wise it work also.
Jerry

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

If you use a LOOP of rope with a piece of clothesline tied to it to the cockpit when you release the tail hook you can pull the rope loop in with you.
Hank

The BIGGEST thing to remember is to have a SECOND rope tied to a lift handle while you prop the plane. Untie the Starboard lift handle rope when the engine is running and you are SURE the rope you will pull in (secured by any of the methods we have been talking about, I like a slip knot on the Port lift handle) is solid. You DON'T want the cockpit release rope coming loose while you are climbing in or to be the only rope when you are propping! That and I just DON'T trust chocks when I'm propping. Two ties make me comfortable. OK, as close to comfortable as I can be inches from that spinning prop.

[KewFlyer]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

Thank all for the info.
I typically use method described by Hank of cholks and slip knot tailwheel tie.
Since most if the time I fly around without landing, it would be convenient to have the cabin tailwheel release handle for that first start at home. At the county airport, I use the available chains at the tie-downs, to secure the tailwheel when re-fueling.

[Steve Green]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

There was a good tie-down system in one of the newsletters, years ago.

It was one that could be reeled in from the cockpit with no parts left behind and was simple, light and inexpensive to make. I won't get to my copy for a while, but if no one else posts it before I get out there, I will.

[Ron Greene]

Re: Tailwheel Tie-Down for hand Propping

Look at this thread

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=3258&d=1224643280