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**PA1195** · 05-16-2015, 10:52

Re: Wheel Penetration Skis?

I can't offer a product, but doubt that there is one approved for the Taylorcraft (except maybe a Field Approval). Currently Airglas (http://www.airglas.com/Home/tabid/331/Default.aspx) and Aero (http://aeroski.net) offer penetration style skis. They typically weigh around 100# installed, twice or more than conventional 1500-2000# skis.

Unless you could find a light approved ski and have adequate reserve horsepower for your environment, operating a wheel penetration ski in real snow (not off a packed runway) may be impossible. When loaded it takes all the power a 150 Cub or PA-12 has to get them airborne in deep snow compared with conventional skis. The drag from the tire or lack of flotation area where the tire retracts makes them the worst of both worlds.

I've flown C-185's with Airglide C-3600 retractable and ridden in them with Airglas LW3600 fixed penetration skis, and compared to conventional skis they are heavy dogs and installed only for operational convenience off paved runways.

Gary

**MontanaT-craft** · 05-16-2015, 16:00

Re: Wheel Penetration Skis?

Gary,
That is pretty much what I expected. But, I thought that perhaps there might be something out there that I didn't know about so I put out the call for info.
Thanks,
Charles

**MontanaT-craft** · 05-16-2015, 16:00

Re: Wheel Penetration Skis?

Gary,
That is pretty much what I expected. But, I thought that perhaps there might be something out there that I didn't know about so I put out the call for info.
Thanks,
Charles

**PA1195** · 05-16-2015, 17:03

Re: Wheel Penetration Skis?

Originally posted by MontanaT-craft View Post

Gary,
That is pretty much what I expected. But, I thought that perhaps there might be something out there that I didn't know about so I put out the call for info.
Thanks,
Charles

Hi Charles. If all you need is to move a plane on straight skis around (perhaps from parking to snowed area) one of these inventions works well:

Ski dolly

http://www.supercub.org/forum/showthread.php?31662-Ski-dolly

I bought a set of Aero 2000 skis from a lurker on this site. He gave me a set of dollies to copy. When the handle cams over it lifts the skis 6" off the floor(ground). Is it necessary for them to be 6" high. I thought maybe 1 or 2". I've been looking at this all afternoon trying to figure out...

Alaska Aircraft Ski Dollies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MbRpkT5-a0

Our custom Alaskan manufactured Ski Dollies for use with Langis and Airglass skis.

Alaskan aircraft ski dollies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8sA31LAbcQ

We build these for Federal and Aero Skis

Alaskan aircraft ski dollies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SBtb3y5FxI

But seriously wheel penetration skis take more power in real snow than most Taylorcrafts have available. Plus they are heavy.

Gary