Tail Wheel Question

[Doc]

Howdy: The Maule (6.5) that came with N43306 when I purchased it is trashed (in sad shape)...any recommendations from the tribe on a replacement tailwheel assembly?...or more importantly, which ones should I avoid purchasing? Doc

[mgold]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

I really my new maule tundra. got at aircraft spruce. if you order make sure its
in stock. had wait 2weeks. on it.

[GLB]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

Hi Doc, for replacement tailwheels the best and the highest cost is the Scott it is really overkill for a "T"craft, there is a clone of the Scott 3200 called a Bushmaster at about $1000.00. An excellent tailwheel is the Lang D-501A available at Aircraft Spruce for one place. The Lang D-501A is probably the best tailwheel for a "T"craft.
But why not rebuild your Maule TW a Maule tailwheel in overhauled condition is a very good TW on a "T"craft they are simple and parts are reasonably priced. If yours is the 6" solid rubber wheel, the wheel bearings are available at any local bearing house the P/N is 32262-88 about $6 / $7 each, the fork bearing is an oilite / bronze bearing P/N FB-1212-16 for the .75" dia. fork cost is about $3.00. I don't have the P/N for the 7/8" fork bearing. The fork bronze bearing has to be reamed for a close fit this may require going to a machine shop or and A&P with and adjustable reamer this takes about .5 hr. reassemble the tailwheel and install the springs as required by Maule. If you google Maule tailwheel there is a good reference manual available.
I just rebuilt the 8" pneumatic on my Champ and while I'm not a big fan of Maule TW's it now works very good.
GB

[N74DV]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

I put a Matco 6" full swivel on mine. I have about 15 hours on it (mostly patternwork hours) and I love it. the full swivel action works flawlessly and the best part is its about $160 for a brand new unit. Weight is exactly the same as my old non swivel Scott.

Of course I wish I could report that I had more than 15 hours on it as that's not nearly enough to form a good opinion on them but as of now I am still satisfied. I need to report back in a year or so and see if I still feel the same.

http://www.matcomfg.com/catalog/index.php?file=catalog&prod_pcategory=56801&clist=0,56801&uid=2192&gpoid=

[alwaysoar]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

I have a question about using the Matco--help me out as I want to get one. The TSDS specifies certain models (e.g. Scott), but CAR 4 states only the mains have to be certified. Can anyone explain this apparent discrepancy?
Thanks,

Ed@BTV VT
TF 527

[GLB]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

Hi Alwaysoar, that subject was discussed a couple of weeks ago under the Matco tailwheel thread. I really don't belive that its legal to just install a Matco tailwheel with out a field approval, as you have noted in the TCDS there are tailwheels called out. An while the Matco tailwheel is less costly they are not with out there problems, but they do not shimmy like a Maule, they are simple but not certified or stc'd or PMA'd so some kind of approval will be needed.
GB

[Carl E. Carson]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

I have a perfectly rebuilt Heath for sale. It does need the wheel/tire, however. I'll sell it for $50 plus shipping.

Contact me off list at:

[email protected]

Carl Carson in Cedar Rapids, Ia.

[alwaysoar]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

Does anyone have experience with Lang tailwheels? They are FAA/PMA for Taylorcrafts and are a lot less $ than Scotts. There is one on a local TCraft.

Ed@BTV VT
TF 527

[GLB]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

Hi, yes I've had really good experience with them, had one on my "T"craft I had a few years back. and presently I replaced the Matco on my Kitfox with a Lang and it works perfectly better than the Matco did. Have never had a shimmy problem with one either and no need for light springs on the left side and heaveir springs on the right.

[Bluebird]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

Is the Lang a full swivel tail wheel?
Thanks
Don

[GLB]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

Yes it is. Its available from Aircraft Spruce and others try this link for information

https://www.acs-products.com

The model # is D501A

[Bluebird]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

Thanks GLB that helps me a lot.
Don

[VictorBravo]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

The TSDS specifies certain models (e.g. Scott), but CAR 4 states only the mains have to be certified. Can anyone explain this apparent discrepancy?

I would be happy to explain it to any visiting FAA inspector thusly:

The original certification basis says that it can be any tailwheel unit, because the Taylorcraft was originally equipped with a skid and no tailwheel at all. Since any tailwheel is an improvement over the skid, it should not pose a conflict with the TCDS. Further, if the FAA made an error by calling out specific tailwheel units on a later TCDS written or re-written in the Part 23 era, that error can be resolved by going back to the original certification basis... and any legal body such as a court of law or NTSB hearing officer would not attempt to invalidate an original certification that has been standing for 70 years. Now, Mr. Inspector, if you would like to truncate your career in the FAA by dragging them into a huge waste of time by pursuing an enforcement action against me, go ahead. But I have the time-proven defensible position on my side that I equipped my aircraft in accordance with the original certification basis, so no judge would ever uphold the FAA's attempt to find me in violation. The only person to get punished here will be the guy who cost the FAA a lot of time and money... would you mind giving me the correct spelling of your name again?

[flylo]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

Bill,I'm sure glad your on our side!

[Noof]

Re: Tail Wheel Question

I love reading your posts Bill.

Eric
(Newbie)