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cookflys

Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 17
Location: atlanta

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 5:07 am Post subject: Tail wheel

I need to replace my single spring tail wheel.  Is there a big weight difference in the 3 spring unit? Best place to buy?  



Charles Cook 

N363KF  582 

ATL

           [quote][b]

_________________
Charles Cook
Model II 582
#363

henrysfork1(at)msn.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 5:23 am Post subject: Tail wheel

<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]-->  John and Debra at Kitfox can fix you up just fine.

 [quote]   ---

gary.algate(at)sandvik.co
Guest

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 8:51 pm Post subject: Tail wheel

Charles 

 

I just replaced my tail spring with the Kitfox 3 spring unit from John McBean. 

 

I ended up only using the two large springs as the third made it a very rigid assy. I am not that happy with the new springs as they don't have the reflex bend at the end (My old ones had a slight upward sweep at the end to orientate the spindle of the Maule assy perpendicular to the ground). 

 

The new one makes the spindle lay back at about 70 deg and this makes the assy unlatch extremely easily. In fact the once the assy unlatches the wheel wants to completely swing around. 

 

Anybody else find this (Lynn?) 

 

Regards 

 

Gary

 

 Gary Algate

 Classic 4 Jab 2200

 Office Phone: +61 8 8276 7655

 

 

 This e-mail is confidential and it is intended only for the addressees. Any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, kindly notify us immediately by telephone or e-mail and delete the message from your system. The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message which may arise as a result of the e-mail transmission.

 “This year, instead of sending you a Christmas card in the mail, we have made a contribution to [url=Arial]UNICEF Australia[/url]. We wish you a safe and happy Christmas". 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

charles cook <cookflys(at)yahoo.com> 

Sent by: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com 

16/01/2009 11:13 PM 

Please respond to

 kitfox-list(at)matronics.com     To

 kitfox-list(at)matronics.com   cc

    Subject

 Tail wheel 

     

 

 

 

   I need to replace my single spring tail wheel.  Is there a big weight difference in the 3 spring unit? Best place to buy?  

 

 Charles Cook 

 N363KF  582 

 ATL 

 

[b]

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 2:18 am Post subject: Tail wheel

I haven't had any problem, but we don't know whether or not the shape  

of mine is the same shape as yours...vendors often change things for  

one reason or another. Here's a shot of mine...the triple-leaf McBean  

spring. Notice how an imaginary line projected down through the  

centerline of the spindle would hit the ground just ahead of the  

contact point of the tire/wheel. This is so the wheel will castor  

correctly, and mine does.



Gary, are you saying that your spindle projection points behind the  

tire contact point? Or at it? Either case would cause what your  

saying, I think.

Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

Sensenich 62x46

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

New skis done and flying





On Jan 16, 2009, at 11:50 PM, gary.algate(at)sandvik.com wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Charles



 I just replaced my tail spring with the Kitfox 3 spring unit from  

 John McBean.



 I ended up only using the two large springs as the third made it a  

 very rigid assy. I am not that happy with the new springs as they  

 don't have the reflex bend at the end (My old ones had a slight  

 upward sweep at the end to orientate the spindle of the Maule assy  

 perpendicular to the ground).



 The new one makes the spindle lay back at about 70 deg and this  

 makes the assy unlatch extremely easily. In fact the once the assy  

 unlatches the wheel wants to completely swing around.



 Anybody else find this (Lynn?)



 Regards



 Gary

100_3021.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

493.54 KB

Viewed:

1099 Time(s)

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Dick Maddux

Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 516
Location: Milton, Fl

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 5:53 am Post subject: Tail wheel

Charles,

  I have the same problem with my tailwheel unlocking but I didn't attribute it to the angle of the spring until you mentioned it. I have to make very wide turns or the Maule tailwheel will unlock and around the tail goes ! It is a pain in the %$#& !  It is no problem on a hard surface but on grass it isn't much fun.

                                          Dick Maddux

                                          Pensacola,Fl



[b]Inauguratioomplete coverage from the nation's capital.

  [quote][b]

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 6:11 am Post subject: Tail wheel

I guess you have two choices...  If there is a spring works near you get them to put the recurve into the spring.  Or you can make a bracket to bolt to the end of the spring and then bolt your tail wheel to it.  The bracket will be unsprung weight so it wont put unnecessary loads on the spring.  It will allow your tail wheel to extend back a few inches.  

   

Noel  

     

From: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of gary.algate(at)sandvik.com

 Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 1:20 AM

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Tail wheel  

  

   



 Charles 

 

 I just replaced my tail spring with the Kitfox 3 spring unit from John McBean. 

 

 I ended up only using the two large springs as the third made it a very rigid assy. I am not that happy with the new springs as they don't have the reflex bend at the end (My old ones had a slight upward sweep at the end to orientate the spindle of the Maule assy perpendicular to the ground). 

 

 The new one makes the spindle lay back at about 70 deg and this makes the assy unlatch extremely easily. In fact the once the assy unlatches the wheel wants to completely swing around. 

 

 Anybody else find this (Lynn?) 

 

 Regards 

 

 Gary

 

 Gary Algate

 Classic 4 Jab 2200

 Office Phone: +61 8 8276 7655

 

 

 This e-mail is confidential and it is intended only for the addressees. Any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, kindly notify us immediately by telephone or e-mail and delete the message from your system. The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message which may arise as a result of the e-mail transmission.

 “This year, instead of sending you a Christmas card in the mail, we have made a contribution to UNICEF Australia. We wish you a safe and happy Christmas". 

 

 

           



   

   

   

   charles   cook <cookflys(at)yahoo.com>    

Sent by:   owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com 

   16/01/2009   11:13 PM 

   Please respond   to

   kitfox-list(at)matronics.com                        

To               

kitfox-list(at)matronics.com                            

cc                            

Subject               

Kitfox-List:     Tail wheel               

                                 



 

           

I need to replace my single spring tail wheel.  Is   there a big weight difference in the 3 spring unit? Best place to buy?  

   

   Charles Cook 

   N363KF  582 

   ATL        



 

 

 

 3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D

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_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

Fox5flyer
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 6:31 am Post subject: Tail wheel

One of the things you need to remember about the Maule mechanicals is that,  because of the way the cam action works, the looser the steering  springs the easier it will break loose.  Keep the slack out of them, they  don't break loose so easily, and they're much easier to manage.  I  don't believe that the angle of the leaf springs has anything to do with the  breakout.  However, they can definitely be a factor on shimmy  problems.

 Of course, my opinion only.  Tailwheels and their setup is a personal  preference and there is probably no "right way".

 Good luck.

 Deke Morisse

Mikado Michigan

S5/Subaru/CAP 402+ TT

"The aim of an  argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress."

- Joseph  Joubert

  

 [quote]   ---

lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 6:37 am Post subject: Tail wheel

Wow,



That three leaf spring looks like a lot of beef to support the 45 lbs. 

typical on a Model IV or lighter, I presume, on earlier models.  I suspect, 

I would eliminate the third spring which doesn't add strength where the 

typical break is but rather just adds stiffness which I doubt is necessary 

for a IV or earlier.  What kind of weight is on the tailwheel of a big 

Kitfox?



Lowell Fitt

Cameron Park, CA

Model IV-1200 R-912 UL

Just about ready to cover fuselage and left wing.

---

shinco(at)bright.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 6:51 am Post subject: Tail wheel

gary.algate(at)sandvik.com wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Charles



 I just replaced my tail spring with the Kitfox 3 spring unit from John 

 McBean.



 I ended up only using the two large springs as the third made it a 

 very rigid assy. I am not that happy with the new springs as they 

 don't have the reflex bend at the end (My old ones had a slight upward 

 sweep at the end to orientate the spindle of the Maule assy 

 perpendicular to the ground).



 The new one makes the spindle lay back at about 70 deg and this makes 

 the assy unlatch extremely easily. In fact the once the assy unlatches 

 the wheel wants to completely swing around.



 Anybody else find this (Lynn?)



 Regards



 Gary



 Gary Algate

 Classic 4 Jab 2200

 Office Phone: +61 8 8276 7655

 This e-mail is confidential and it is intended only for the 

 addressees. Any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of 

 this message by persons or entities other than the intended recipient 

 is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, kindly 

 notify us immediately by telephone or e-mail and delete the message 

 from your system. The sender does not accept liability for any errors 

 or omissions in the contents of this message which may arise as a 

 result of the e-mail transmission.

 *“This year, instead of sending you a Christmas card in the mail, we 

 have made a contribution to **_UNICEF Australia_* 

 <http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/australia.html>*. We wish you a 

 safe and happy Christmas".*



 *charles cook <cookflys(at)yahoo.com>*



 Sent by: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com

 16/01/2009 11:13 PM

 Please respond to

 kitfox-list(at)matronics.com



 	

 To

 	kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 cc

 	

 Subject

 	Tail wheel



 	



 I need to replace my single spring tail wheel. Is there a big weight 

 difference in the 3 spring unit? Best place to buy?



 Charles Cook

 N363KF 582

 ATL



 *



 <3D%22http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List%22>*

 <3D%22http://forums.matronics.com%22/>*

 <3D%22http://www.matronics.com/contribution%22>*



 *

 *

 *

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com 



   

That is what I to found out about my tail wheel..I put it together there 
	


way.And I could not control KF2 on the ground..it would go around and 

around.I could not do any thing about it..So I had to reshape the 

springs with a press..And to my like it work out fine..Steve Shinabery 

N554KF KF2 St.Marys Ohio

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 9:04 am Post subject: Tail wheel

You're right, Lowell, and I've been meaning to take the short leaf  

off, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

When my original two-leaf broke, it happened at my CFI's place, and  

by the time I got back there (two days later) to pick up the broken  

leaf, he had already tossed it out so I didn't get a chance to see  

exactly where it broke.

My tail weight is 43 lbs, just for the record.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

Sensenich 62x46

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

New skis done and flying

do not archive



On Jan 17, 2009, at 9:32 AM, Lowell Fitt wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 <lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net>



 Wow,



 That three leaf spring looks like a lot of beef to support the 45  

 lbs. typical on a Model IV or lighter, I presume, on earlier  

 models.  I suspect, I would eliminate the third spring which  

 doesn't add strength where the typical break is but rather just  

 adds stiffness which I doubt is necessary for a IV or earlier.   

 What kind of weight is on the tailwheel of a big Kitfox?



 Lowell Fitt

 Cameron Park, CA

 Model IV-1200 R-912 UL

 Just about ready to cover fuselage and left wing.

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 11:07 am Post subject: Tail wheel

Lynn,



I don't want to complain on list for obvious reasons, but the Supersport 

parts the factory sells as aftermarket replacements for the older airplanes 

bothers me a bit.  I am glad they are resurrectng the IV for the third 

iteration, so maybe we will have some dedicated parts again for our IVs.



Lowell



---

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 11:34 am Post subject: Tail wheel

Lynn:



Are your rudder springs as loose as they appear in the picture or am I

seeing things...Darn glasses!  Doh!



Noel



--

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

larry huntley

Joined: 19 Jul 2008
Posts: 149

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 11:41 am Post subject: Tail wheel

They look just like mine and mine couldn't work better.   Larry



---

_________________
Larry Huntley,Dundee,NY
Kitfox 4-1200 N234EE
EA81,AMAX Redrive Warp 3 blade

jdmcbean(at)kitfoxaircraf
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 11:51 am Post subject: Tail wheel

Lowell and others...

	

	We are not selling "Super Sport parts as aftermarket replacements

for older airplanes".. We are and have been selling Model 1, 2, 3 and 4

parts as well as the 5 through the current S7 Super Sport.  The tail wheel

springs have been setup for both the 3, 4 and the later models.. some have

used them on the Model 1 and 2's. Using all 3 springs is a choice for the

owner, some with 1 spring find them too soft and others have found that

using 2 or 3 works great. I think there are many variations depending on

which tail wheel is being used by the owner.  There has also been many, many

different tail wheel springs created through the 25 years.



It is important to note that Kitfox aircraft sells original Kitfox parts.

Some parts are interchangeable between models and some are not but they are

made from the original tooling. 



Kitfox Aircraft has and will continue to support all the models.

Fly Safe !!

John McBean

Ph 208.337.5111

www.kitfoxaircraft.com 

"The Sky is not the Limit...  It's a Playground" 



 



	



--

jdmcbean(at)kitfoxaircraf
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 11:51 am Post subject: Tail wheel

Gary,  

                Please contact me off list…   

   

Fly Safe !!

 John McBean

 Ph 208.337.5111

 www.kitfoxaircraft.com 

 "The Sky is not the Limit...  It's a Playground"   

   

   

     

From: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of gary.algate(at)sandvik.com

 Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 9:50 PM

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Tail wheel  

  

   



 Charles 

 

 I just replaced my tail spring with the Kitfox 3 spring unit from John McBean. 

 

 I ended up only using the two large springs as the third made it a very rigid assy. I am not that happy with the new springs as they don't have the reflex bend at the end (My old ones had a slight upward sweep at the end to orientate the spindle of the Maule assy perpendicular to the ground). 

 

 The new one makes the spindle lay back at about 70 deg and this makes the assy unlatch extremely easily. In fact the once the assy unlatches the wheel wants to completely swing around. 

 

 Anybody else find this (Lynn?) 

 

 Regards 

 

 Gary

 

 Gary Algate

 Classic 4 Jab 2200

 Office Phone: +61 8 8276 7655

 

 

 This e-mail is confidential and it is intended only for the addressees. Any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, kindly notify us immediately by telephone or e-mail and delete the message from your system. The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message which may arise as a result of the e-mail transmission.

 “This year, instead of sending you a Christmas card in the mail, we have made a contribution to UNICEF Australia. We wish you a safe and happy Christmas". 

 

 

           



   

   

   

   charles   cook <cookflys(at)yahoo.com>    

Sent by:   owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com 

   16/01/2009   11:13 PM 

   Please respond   to

   kitfox-list(at)matronics.com                        

To               

kitfox-list(at)matronics.com                            

cc                            

Subject               

Kitfox-List:     Tail wheel               

                                 



 

           

I need to replace my single spring tail wheel.  Is   there a big weight difference in the 3 spring unit? Best place to buy?  

   

   Charles Cook 

   N363KF  582 

   ATL        



 

 

 

 3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D

 Forum -

 Un/Subscription,

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 href="3D">[b]http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List

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Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:02 pm Post subject: Tail wheel

Who knows, Lowell, maybe an "on-list" mention of what is needed will  

be enough to push the factory into coming up with the exact spring  

that is needed...maybe even a 3-leaf'er that is designed *exactly*  

FOR the IV...if indeed the present one IS a bit too stiff as is. (it  

seems to me that is IS too stiff, but at least mine is on there and  

I'm flying it)



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

Sensenich 62x46

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

New skis done and flying





On Jan 17, 2009, at 2:02 PM, Lowell Fitt wrote:



[quote] 

 <lcfitt(at)sbcglobal.net>



 Lynn,



 I don't want to complain on list for obvious reasons, but the  

 Supersport parts the factory sells as aftermarket replacements for  

 the older airplanes bothers me a bit.  I am glad they are  

 resurrectng the IV for the third iteration, so maybe we will have  

 some dedicated parts again for our IVs.



 Lowell



 ---

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Lynn Matteson

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 2778
Location: Grass Lake, Michigan

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 1:18 pm Post subject: Tail wheel

Yes, they are exactly that loose. I like them that way, as it lets me  

dance a bit without anything happening, I guess. I've landed at all  

sorts of strips across the country....grass, grass and rocks, paved,  

concrete, Dekes : ), snow, ice, lakes...just about anything I can  

think of, and whether it's just because it's how I got used to it  

when getting instruction (instructor didn't said a word then or now,  

and he sees it every time I fly over there to hang out/work), or  

what, but it works for me. I've tried them loose like this and  

tight....I've tried with the Maule anti-shimmy springs, the unequal  

compression-type springs, and this seems to work the best for me. The  

Maule anti-shimmy, just to give them their due, were installed before  

I had even one minute of training in a tailwheel. I couldn't get them  

to steer to the left, I think it was, so I took them off (free to  

anybody who wants to pay for shipping) and haven't even thought about  

them since. Apparently there is something about my setup that works  

just fine for me and my style of landing and taxiing, so I'm leaving  

it alone...and believe me my CFI is very outspoken about EVERYTHING,  

so he would have slapped me up side the head if he thought there was  

something wrong.



Lynn Matteson

Kitfox IV Speedster, taildragger

Jabiru 2200, #2062, 600.2 hrs

Sensenich 62x46

Electroair direct-fire ignition system

New skis done and flying





On Jan 17, 2009, at 2:33 PM, Noel Loveys wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Lynn:



 Are your rudder springs as loose as they appear in the picture or am I

 seeing things...Darn glasses!  Doh!



 Noel

_________________
Lynn
Kitfox IV-Jabiru 2200
N369LM

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 2:17 pm Post subject: Tail wheel

If I ever get my plane back on wheels I'll give that a try.



Noel



--

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

Paul A. Franz, P.E.

Joined: 02 Dec 2008
Posts: 280
Location: Bellevue WA

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 3:31 pm Post subject: Tail wheel

On Sat, January 17, 2009 6:30 am, fox5flyer wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   One of the things you need to remember about the Maule mechanicals is that, because of

 the way the cam action works, the looser the steering springs the easier it will break

 loose.  Keep the slack out of them, they don't break loose so easily, and they're much

 easier to manage.  I don't believe that the angle of the leaf springs has anything to

 do with the breakout.  However, they can definitely be a factor on shimmy problems.

 Of course, my opinion only.  Tailwheels and their setup is a personal preference and

 there is probably no "right way".


	




It's not the leaf spring angle, it is the axis of steering rotation that is the

problem. In elevation view from the side, it the lower end points forward from

vertical then it will be easy to move the wheel into a turned position because the

tail drops a little as it turns. The traction of the tire provides the returning

force. Consequently if this angle is too far forward you have potential for a lot of

shimmy. Shimmy can be reduced by using dissimilar safety springs.



If the axis of turning rotation points to the rear to much it will be difficult to

start a turn because that requires the tail to lift as it increases turn angle. But

the wheel finds it easy to return to the trailing position.



The ideal angle is vertical when the airplane is loaded to max gross weight and the CG

is the farthest aft part of the envelope. So, as Lynn has shown in his excellent

photo, the unloaded tail spring will show this axis slightly pointing forward.



The problems in operation occur when that axis is two far forward or too far back.

Forward makes initiating a turn easy but straightening back up more difficult and

likely will cause shimmy. Too far back and inducing a turn is difficult but it will

return to a straight trailing position easily.



Tail wheel release occurs when the caster angle is greater than 40°. When it is

released your rudder controls do nothing to steer the tail wheel. If your caster angle

is too far forward the tail wheel can easily kick out to the side and you have no

control. Matco has two release angle options, 25° and 40°.



Look at the pictures and description of the proper setup in this document. (pg 14-17)



<http://www.bowersflybaby.com/tech/Maule_Tailwheel.pdf>



This is a real nice writeup especially for Maule Tail Wheels.



One thing important to note from Lynn's comment and nice photo is that the angle of

the tail wheel spring is about 45% near the tail wheel mount. "This works well for

me". That is important in the tail wheel dynamics because when it bounces the caster

angle changes to the rear and the that favors the tail wheel to straighten up in a

bounce.

-- 

Paul A. Franz

Registration/Aircraft - N14UW/Merlin GT

Engine/Prop - Rotax 914/NSI CAP

Bellevue WA

425.241.1618 Cell

_________________
Paul A. Franz, P.E.
Registration/Aircraft - N14UW/Merlin GT
Engine/Prop - Rotax 914/NSI CAP
Bellevue WA
425.241.1618 Cell
425.440.9505 Office

gary.algate(at)sandvik.co
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:08 pm Post subject: Tail wheel

Paul 

you have it exactly right with this explanation. 

When stationary if I push left and right rudder my tail is actually forced to left because of the angular displacement. 

Gary

 Gary Algate

 SMC, Exploration

 Office Phone: +61 8 8276 7655

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"Paul Franz - Merlin GT" <paul(at)eucleides.com> 

Sent by: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com 

18/01/2009 09:38 AM 

Please respond to

 kitfox-list(at)matronics.com     To

 kitfox-list(at)matronics.com   cc

    Subject

 Re: Tail wheel 

--> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Paul Franz - Merlin GT" <paul(at)eucleides.com>

 On Sat, January 17, 2009 6:30 am, fox5flyer wrote:

 > One of the things you need to remember about the Maule mechanicals is that, because of

 > the way the cam action works, the looser the steering springs the easier it will break

 > loose.  Keep the slack out of them, they don't break loose so easily, and they're much

 > easier to manage.  I don't believe that the angle of the leaf springs has anything to

 > do with the breakout.  However, they can definitely be a factor on shimmy problems.

 > Of course, my opinion only.  Tailwheels and their setup is a personal preference and

 > there is probably no "right way".

 It's not the leaf spring angle, it is the axis of steering rotation that is the

 problem. In elevation view from the side, it the lower end points forward from

 vertical then it will be easy to move the wheel into a turned position because the

 tail drops a little as it turns. The traction of the tire provides the returning

 force. Consequently if this angle is too far forward you have potential for a lot of

 shimmy. Shimmy can be reduced by using dissimilar safety springs.

 If the axis of turning rotation points to the rear to much it will be difficult to

 start a turn because that requires the tail to lift as it increases turn angle. But

 the wheel finds it easy to return to the trailing position.

 The ideal angle is vertical when the airplane is loaded to max gross weight and the CG

 is the farthest aft part of the envelope. So, as Lynn has shown in his excellent

 photo, the unloaded tail spring will show this axis slightly pointing forward.

 The problems in operation occur when that axis is two far forward or too far back.

 Forward makes initiating a turn easy but straightening back up more difficult and

 likely will cause shimmy. Too far back and inducing a turn is difficult but it will

 return to a straight trailing position easily.

 Tail wheel release occurs when the caster angle is greater than 40°. When it is

 released your rudder controls do nothing to steer the tail wheel. If your caster angle

 is too far forward the tail wheel can easily kick out to the side and you have no

 control. Matco has two release angle options, 25° and 40°.

 Look at the pictures and description of the proper setup in this document. (pg 14-17)

 <http://www.bowersflybaby.com/tech/Maule_Tailwheel.pdf>

 This is a real nice writeup especially for Maule Tail Wheels.

 One thing important to note from Lynn's comment and nice photo is that the angle of

 the tail wheel spring is about 45% near the tail wheel mount. "This works well for

 me". That is important in the tail wheel dynamics because when it bounces the caster

 angle changes to the rear and the that favors the tail wheel to straighten up in a

 bounce.

 -- 

 Paul A. Franz

 Registration/Aircraft - N14UW/Merlin GT

 Engine/Prop - Rotax 914/NSI CAP

 Bellevue WA

 425.241.1618 Cell

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