Northwind or Northland skiis ?

[N95645]

Anyone out there in the northern reaches of the lower 48, Great White Up and or AK have any experience with a brand of skiis with the aforementioned brand name? They are not listed in the BC12D Type Cert. My understanding is that they were sold once upon a time by Wag A. A gent had them on his Champ 7AC and they are available to me. I have yet to see them up close and personal as it will be a 100 mile drive one way. Want to determine if they are worth getting. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

[jdlowrey]

Re: Northwind or Northland skiis ?

Northwind skis, made of wood. A set came with my plane when I bought it. They work well enough. Compared to aluminum skis (i.e. 1500's) they look rather clunky but you get used to the look. I would assume that they have plastic bottoms which is necessary. Also running or operating in crusty snow will wear on the side edges but you can revarnish or refinish them in the summer time. Hopefully the price is right, seems like a couple of years ago you could get a set of 1500's for $500 - $700 now its about $1500.

Jeff

[N95645]

Re: Northwind or Northland skiis ?

Thanks Jeff. Clunky will work for me. The guy wants $300 and has the bushings etc. Will have to hve the cables made for a t-craft. Would you happen to have a 337/type cert for them that came with your plane? I think I will still have to go thru the nut roll of getting them FAA approved. Thanks and best,

[N95645]

Re: Northwind or Northland skiis ?

Jeff, thanks for the input again. I picked up the skis today and they are in pretty good shape with fiberglass bottoms but need to be rigged for a Taylorcraft and apparently will require an adapter for the tappered axles. Any known source for these adapters or will they have to be fabricated? Or anyone out there with a set they will would be willing to part with for a price?Thanks again.
Tim

PS thanks also to High Time Cub for the lead.

[jdlowrey]

Re: Northwind or Northland skiis ?

You can have a set of adaptors made up. I know there is a picture or two as well as discussion in past posts that you maybe able to dig up through a search.

[T-Rex]

Re: Northwind or Northland skiis ?

Call Troy at Aero Skis in Bruten MN. He made me a set of adapters for my A2000A's last year. He makes an adapter to install Aero's on the taperd gear.

[N95645]

Re: Northwind or Northland skiis ?

Wilco. Thanks guys.

[cvavon]

Re: Northwind or Northland skiis ?

n95645

look on thread for grove brakes there is the back of a 337 that shows what you need if your skies are one and one half diameter connections

chuck

[T-Rex]

Re: Northwind or Northland skiis ?

A guy I know has a set of Federal axle adapters for sale they fit a set of 1500's. If you are interested let me know and i'll get a price.

[N95645]

Re: Northwind or Northland skiis ?

Thanks for the follow up for me. I followed your advice and gave Troy a call at Aeroski. Incredibly helpful. He's has sent me a set of adapters for the Taylorcraft for $66 after we exchanged info/drawings. Haven't received them yet. Great guy and the best customer service you'll come across in my book. I guess that is "Minnesota nice" in action.