Announcement

**barnstmr** · 10-30-2006, 08:52

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.

HTML Code:

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** · 10-30-2006, 09:13

Re: Matco tailwheel

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

**VictorBravo** · 10-30-2006, 13:55

Re: Matco tailwheel

Originally posted by N74DV View Post

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** · 10-31-2006, 12:41

Re: Matco tailwheel

I looked at my Matco in detail last night and I'm impressed with the swivel design. simple. Hopefully it'll work well on the Tcraft. Should have it installed in about 2 weeks.

Before I go up I'll do a quick chant and dance to the Ground Loop Gods for thier mercy upon the first few landings.

**barnstmr** · 10-31-2006, 16:24

Re: Matco tailwheel

DJ
Gary (LostnSpace) emailed me to set me straight... He's right... Since no approval is required, this wouldn't require a 337, which are only used for MAJOR alterations. Just a logbook entry and you should be good to go.

**N74DV** · 10-31-2006, 17:32

Re: Matco tailwheel

yep... that's what I gathered from the discussions. As soon as my new leaf springs arrive I'll have it all installed.

I did swap out my old tension springs for compression springs and did a flight today. Better handling at taxi speeds but when doing a 3 point it seems like she shimmy's a bit. I won't fiddle with it for now cause it's all coming off with the Matco install. I normally wheel land anyway.

**GLB** · 10-31-2006, 18:09

Re: Matco tailwheel

What model of Matco tailwheel are you going with?
I had a solid wheel Matco on my Kitfox while most of the time it worked good, I think they require more maint. then say the Scotts, but one can buy a new Matco every 2 years and throw away the used one for years for the price of one Scott.
GB

**N74DV** · 10-31-2006, 22:12

Re: Matco tailwheel

I have the T-6 hard wheel version. I see they have recently come out with a 6" pneumatic version,

**VictorBravo** · 11-01-2006, 11:57

Re: Matco tailwheel

Originally posted by GLB View Post

What model of Matco tailwheel are you going with?
I had a solid wheel Matco on my Kitfox while most of the time it worked good, I think they require more maint. then say the Scotts, but one can buy a new Matco every 2 years and throw away the used one for years for the price of one Scott.
GB

If the Matco requires more maintenance I am very surprised. The one I had was so simple and the "loaded" parts were so much thicker than the Scott or Maule... where to you think the Matco needs maintenance?? On the wheel itself??

**N74DV** · 11-01-2006, 13:40

Re: Matco tailwheel

about the only maintenance I can see them using is a regular cleaning and lubing. Maybe hose it off and keep it clean every 25 hours or so.... It's an incredibly simple design... but having not flown one I cannot comment accuratley on that. I'll report back in a few months after I have around 50 hours on it.

**GLB** · 11-01-2006, 16:43

Re: Matco tailwheel

Hi Bill, I'm not knocking the Matco but the experience I had with it on my Kitfox which isn't a heavy plane was that after about 90 to 100 hrs it would not steer or swivel, the bolts that hold the release levers were loose and the there was drit etc in the swivel mech. after removing it and cleaning and replacing the bolts it worked fine for another 90 to 100 hrs and then the same thing all over, removed it installed a Lang and no more steering problems, I did replace the bolts and cleaned the Matco again and it is good to go for another 90 to 100 hrs. But I think they are as good as a Maule anyday, I for the most part only fly from grass strips and when the Matco was in good shape it preform good maybe only landed on hard surfaces a dozen times it never shimmied I can't say that for the (*%#*) Maule thats on my Champ.
In fact I just may consider the new 8" pneumatic.
GB

**N74DV** · 12-06-2006, 21:57

Re: Matco tailwheel

well... I have about 20 landings on the new Matco T-6 tailwheel. I like it. The full swivel is handy... especially manuevering into my spot on the ramp. The locking mechanism is different than the Scott's that I'm used to in that the Matco seems to need to roll forward a bit more to lock back in but once you get used to the slight difference it's no problem. 3 point landings are a non-issue and there's no shimmy whatsoever.

IMO a great inexpensive alternative to traditional Scott/Maule solutions.

**jgerard** · 12-07-2006, 16:47

Re: Matco tailwheel

Problems I have had with the lightweight maule tailwheels is that the upper body that the bushing is pressed into becomes out of round and even with a new bushing the tailwheel becomes loose after a few landings. The only fix would be reaming the body out to make it round again but then you would need a custom bushing. I have heard that the QC from Maule is not the best, and some tailwheels are great, others require constant attention. Improper tail spring setup will wear out a brand new tailwheel fast so treat it like a system. If the leaf springs are screwed up don't expect a new tailwheel to solve the shimmy or steering problems. I wheel landed for about a year every time I was on pavement because I did not realize my leaf springs were twisted causing the tailwheel to shimmy. I put 3 bushings in the same tailwheel before I realized the body was toast. I fixed the springs, put a new tailwheel on and no more problems.

**jCandlish** · 06-04-2008, 02:19

Re: Matco tailwheel

Bump.

Its annual time again and I really want a sign-off for the Matco 6" pneumatic tailwheel.

Short and sweet: Who is leagal? How did you get there? When in doubt please P.M. me on this issue.

Thankx
jC

Announcement

Matco tailwheel

Matco tailwheel

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment