Matco tailwheel

[VictorBravo]

Re: Matco tailwheel

hey that's great info Terry. thanks!!!

FWIW, I recommend the Matco. I like them because the parts are not highly loaded small pins or keys like Scott and Maule. There will be a Matco on mine as soon as the Maule wears out. I have had two Matco tailwheels on T-crafts and they worked fine.

Check with your IA, but I suspect a rather simple logbook entry can be made saying "replaced tailwheel with new unit meeting original certification requirements of CAR 04.442", and be done with it.

[N74DV]

Re: Matco tailwheel

hey that's great info Terry. thanks!!!

[barnstmr]

Re: Matco tailwheel

DJ,
He's not correct.. well only partially correct. Here is the current version of Part 23, 23.731
Sec. 23.731

Wheels.

[(a) The maximum static load rating of each wheel may not be less than the corresponding static ground reaction--
(1) Design maximum weight; and
(2) Critical center of gravity.
(b) The maximum limit load rating of each wheel must equal or exceed the maximum radial limit load determined under the applicable ground load requirements of this part.]

Let me caution you on one thing. Your airplane does not need to meet part 23 of the requlations. It needs to meet the original cert basis. The original certification basis of the Tcraft is Part 04 of the Civil Air Regulations effective as amended to May 1, 1938.

http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgccab.nsf/0/5E1A98C9E42DBD3086256F03005FE65F?OpenDocument&Highlight=car%2004

Here is the text of the applicable rule.

CAR 04.442
Wheels. Main landing gear wheels shall be of a type or model certificated by the Administrator in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 and shall not be subjected to static loads in excess of those for which they are certificated. Tail wheels may be of any type or model and are not certificated. Nose wheels are subject to special rulings to be made by the Administrator.

So go for it on a 337, but don't reference part 23 or you'll open a can of worms. Reference CAR 4.442.

[N74DV]

I've got a Matco on my AirCamper and find it to be a well built quality full swivel tailwheel. The tailwheel on our Tcraft is not a full swivel model and I really would prefer that feature so I've been shopping a Lang but at $600 I'm not going there yet.

I sent Matco an email asking if one of thier tailwheels could be used on a certified aircraft. their response below:

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DJ,

There is no TSO requirement for a tailwheel. FAA Part 23 23.731 refers to the certification requirement for wheels and specifies only that nose and main wheels must be approved. They have been installed on certified aircraft with a Form 337 although approval seems to vary from FSDO.



George R. Happ

MATCO mfg

801-486-7574 801-486-7581 (F)

https://www.matcomfg.com

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is it so? can I really install a matco with just a 337?? if so I'm all over it. The only other mention in the FAR's regarding tailwheel that I have seen is 23.745 and all it says is the tailwheel must not require "exceptional pilot skill" to maneuver.