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Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

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Mauledriver(at)nc.rr.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 6:49 am Post subject: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

Is the helicoil 'kit' still in circulation?  Lew G. was gracious enough 

to get it going... if it's still available, I'd like to get it.



(the rest of this is OT)



We just did our first long trip down to FL and we're quickly making the 

transition from tailwheel to tricycle gear operations.  With a trike, 

I'm discovering that most mid-size FBOs operate by having you park 

wherever, unload, kibitz, or whatever.. .then they tow your Pride & Joy 

to wherever for the rest of your stay.  Okay, I get that, but I want a 

big fat protruding stud for whatever array of tow bars they may have on 

hand.  The recessed bolt heat is just too obscure for anonymous handling.



For those of you that have never used a tailwheel aircraft to operate in 

and out of larger FBO operations, a unique aspect  is that generally, 

line people and especially front desk people don't know what to do with 

you.



With that in mind, we used to play a game when operating at mid-size to 

large FBOs called, "let's see if we can avoid ramp and overnight fees by 

staying under the radar".



Now understand, we have yet to see a ramp fee  that I thought was really 

inappropriate.  We may not want to pay it but compared to say, parking 

in Manhattan, parking our P&J near a place I want to go has some real 

value.  Throw in a bathroom, internet access, coffee and a comfortable 

chair in out of the rain, paying 8-10-12-18 or even 25 bucks for an 

overnight stay or even a short stop is not all that bad.  In fact, it 

should be cheerfully accepted and appreciated.  Okay, the deal at KEYW 

where it's $30 a night but only $15 if you buy fuel - 50% off no matter 

how many days or gallons are involved - was a bit off-putting, but we 

still like to play the game.



In any case the first step for the Maule is to tell the line guy what 

you intend to do at shut down, "we'll unload here but afterwards, I'll 

taxi it over there if I can find some rope.  Otherwise, we'll park in 

the grass and use our tie downs... is that ok?"  That generally causes 

the line to disengage and we start to become a UFO.



Then we do the usual sign-in at the front desk.  If we need fuel, we 

explain that we'll order it before leaving.  Our departure is indeterminate.

"Okay, we'll park the plane for you and you can just call us when ready 

to leave"

"Well, no, we already did... we have a tail wheel Maule and tied it down 

in the lower forty"

"Oh, okay" (inflection varies here and is noted for later use)



The game has begun.  The key to winning at larger FBOs is understanding 

that ordering the tow out for loading is often the initiator of the 

billing process.  If we need gas, we order it, often go out to 

supervise, but we get the gas loaded while tied down then pay for it.  

Or if SS, we just taxi out to it.  The front desk is generally tasked 

with making the call(s) required to get your craft ready for departure.  

When they start the process, one can usually interject and just say, "we 

have a tailwheel, so they can't move it  (or untie it, or otherwise talk 

to it), so we'll just go out and get it"

"uh, okay"

"Thanks"



There are many variations;

"I have your N-number but not sure where it's tied down... what's a maul?"

"it's in the grass, used my own stakes, I'll go get it"

....minutes later, a UFO departs....



Notes & Disclaimers:

This works better the bigger the FBO, the city, and the airport.

Fees generally not applied for weather escapes no matter who you are

Many front desk people would rather not to have to deal with charging 

you anyway.

YMMV



Bill "transitioned from building to flying & maintaining" Watson

(though I'm still going to take another whack at the pilot side door pin 

fit)

Lew Gallagher

Joined: 04 Jan 2008
Posts: 402
Location: Greenville , SC

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 7:58 am Post subject: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

Hey Bill "flying and loving it" Watson,



The Helicoil kit is currently being used by Byron in GA.  When it gets back, 

it will need new coil inserts, so I'll replenish those and get it on to you.



I would recommend that you get the longer tow studs, spacer, large washer 

that I documented before so that tow jockies don’t have to bang up your 

paint trying to get the bar in the blind hole.  Let me know if you missed 

this.



Later, - Lew



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dmaib@me.com

Joined: 25 Apr 2006
Posts: 455
Location: New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 8:54 am Post subject: Re: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

Great FBO advice, Bill. I agree that having to pay the occasional reasonable tie down or ramp fee is not that bad a deal when the facilities and services are considered. Of course, if I don't have to pay it I am happy. Pilots n' Paws flights seem to always have ramp fees waived whether fuel is purchased, or not.



We are heading down to KEYW next week for three days. Not too sure why I feel the need to "get away" from my full time gig as "retired", but I am looking forward to it!  



do not archive

_________________
David Maib
RV-10 #40559
New Smyrna Beach, FL

Mauledriver(at)nc.rr.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 9:48 am Post subject: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

Enjoy!  We certainly did.



I'm between jobs right now myself and will be officially retired by 

month end.  Guess we'll need to go back to KEYW soon.



Bill



On 11/5/2011 12:54 PM, dmaib(at)me.com wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Great FBO advice, Bill. I agree that having to pay the occasional reasonable tie down or ramp fee is not that bad a deal when the facilities and services are considered. Of course, if I don't have to pay it I am happy. Pilots n' Paws flights seem to always have ramp fees waived whether fuel is purchased, or not.



 We are heading down to KEYW next week for three days. Not too sure why I feel the need to "get away" from my full time gig as "retired", but I am looking forward to it! 



 do not archive



 --------

 David Maib

 RV-10 #40559

Mauledriver(at)nc.rr.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 9:54 am Post subject: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

I did read about the studs and stuff last night but not really clear on 

the specifics.  As I understand it, we're putting helicoils in the stud 

holes so they don't wear out too fast.  I know zero about helicoils but 

I'm guessing that changes the thread size (? or not?).



In any case, I'll just need a longer hex head bolt and some combination 

of spacers and washers (flattened lock or otherwise)   to tighten down 

on.  Sound like you positioned large washers to prevent the tow bar from 

hitting the fiberglass.  Sound right?



Bill



On 11/5/2011 11:56 AM, lewgall(at)charter.net wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Hey Bill "flying and loving it" Watson,



 The Helicoil kit is currently being used by Byron in GA.  When it gets 

 back, it will need new coil inserts, so I'll replenish those and get 

 it on to you.



 I would recommend that you get the longer tow studs, spacer, large 

 washer that I documented before so that tow jockies don’t have to bang 

 up your paint trying to get the bar in the blind hole.  Let me know if 

 you missed this.



 Later, - Lew

tomhanaway

Joined: 12 Aug 2006
Posts: 111
Location: Murphy, NC

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 10:02 am Post subject: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

Lew,

Please repost or send me directly info on longer tow studs, spacer, etc. recommendations you mention.



Also, I'd like to get put on the list for the Helicoil Kit after Bill W.



Thanks,

Tom Hanaway



1029 Fosters Mill Road

Boynton Beach,  FL  33436



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RV-8a. Building

Lew Gallagher

Joined: 04 Jan 2008
Posts: 402
Location: Greenville , SC

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 10:44 am Post subject: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

Hey Bill, Byron, Tom,



I use the same type of bolt Van's sends, but 2.5 inches long (measured from 

the thread end to the shoulder) -- same thread.  If you can't find a source 

for the bolts, I can send them to you.  Then a spacer cut to your exact 

length so that when placed on the aluminum block Van's has you make, it 

extends the stud heads beyond the surface of the pants, such that when you 

put a big flat washer on top of the spacer (to prevent the tow bar from 

sliding into the hole), the washer is flush with the pants.  I made the 

washer, hole in the fiberglass such that no metal touches the fiberglass. 

Paint the washer/stud the same color as the pants and it is barely 

noticeable.



The helocoil kit uses a slightly oversize bit (included) to drill out the 

original threads, then a slightly oversize tap to fit the coil inserts, 

which puts the threads back to the original size of the bolt.  I have 

included loctite to insure the insert doesn't move once inserted. 

Therefore, you have stainless steel threads instead of aluminum.  I had 

trouble aligning the bolts through the hole while jiggling the pants, etc. 

and didn't want to take the chance of cross threading the bolts in aluminum, 

stripping them out, then trying to access all this at an inopportune time! 

It works just fine.  Just be very careful tapping aluminum.  It tends to 

bind, so I go barely 1/4 turn before backing it off to clear the burr.  A 

little patience and you're done.



This kit is a bit pricey for just two holes, so I'm renting it out for $5 

plus postage (usually less than $8 total).  Yes, forwarding it to the next 

on the list works just like the traveling countersink for the cabin top 

seatbelt bolts, and incurs just my first postage fee.  Just email me your 

address in a personal message and I'll make sure the address for the next on 

the list gets to whoever has it presently, then back to me eventually.



Let me know if you have questions.



Later, - Lew

_________________
non-pilot
crazy about building
NOW OFICIALLY BUILDER #40549
Fly off completed !

tomhanaway

Joined: 12 Aug 2006
Posts: 111
Location: Murphy, NC

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:46 pm Post subject: Re: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

Lew,

I have your heli coil kit with a bunch of extra coils.



Should I



1. return it to you (address please)?



2. Send it to next person on list?



3. Hold until next person asks for it?



Thanks in advance,

Tom Hanaway

Boynton Beach, FL

Lew Gallagher

Joined: 04 Jan 2008
Posts: 402
Location: Greenville , SC

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 7:28 pm Post subject: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

Hey Tom,



You were the last on the list this time, so send it on back to me.  If there 

are others interested, they can contact me and I'll send it along again.



Later, - Lew



Lew Gallagher

15 Chatelaine Dr.

Greenville, SC 29615

_________________
non-pilot
crazy about building
NOW OFICIALLY BUILDER #40549
Fly off completed !

bill.peyton

Joined: 19 Sep 2010
Posts: 198
Location: St. Louis, MO

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 7:42 pm Post subject: Re: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

Lew,

I would like to make the mod to my front wheel and use your tools.  I think I understand what you are doing, but need to see a dwg.  Also, you mentioned you have a source the bolts and washers.  

Thanks

Bill

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WA0SYV
Aviation Partners, LLC

Lew Gallagher

Joined: 04 Jan 2008
Posts: 402
Location: Greenville , SC

Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 6:40 am Post subject: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

Hey Bill,



Send me your address and I'll forward it on to Russ in TX so he can send it 

to you before it comes back to me.  "Rental" fee for the kit is $5 payable 

to me (mail me a check or through  PayPal) and I can send you a couple of 

bolts for $2 + postage.  You are on your own for spacers/washers since each 

pants are slightly different.



DWG?  (Google says it might have something to do with CADS?)  Guys, I'm 

trying to pick up the acronyms, but since that's a new one on me, maybe 

someone else can help you out.  I'll be glad to talk you through it.



Later, - Lew



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_________________
non-pilot
crazy about building
NOW OFICIALLY BUILDER #40549
Fly off completed !

rene(at)felker.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 7:16 am Post subject: Helicoil kit for nose wheel - still in circulation?

DWG = drawing.....



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