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Landing gear orientation

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Zenith601-List

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Tim Juhl

Joined: 21 Mar 2006
Posts: 488
Location: "Thumb" of Michigan

Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 9:59 am Post subject: Landing gear orientation

OK - I know this subject has been discussed before but I thought it would be interesting to hear what people have to say after some time has passed.



I'm busy installing the mods in my wings at the moment but in the future I will be back to building my fuselage.  I have a Jabiru 3300 going up front and my original intention was to install the gear flat side back.  More recent plans call for turning the gear around to avoid nose heaviness which results in the nose plopping down on landing.  On the other hand, I have heard that with the gear turned around it is easier to ground the tail when boarding, especially when it's a big guy (like me).  That would be a little embarrassing at the least  



I'd like to hear from guys who have done it both ways (with a similar weight engine) to help me make a final decision as to which way to go.



Tim

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tigerrick(at)mindspring.c
Guest

Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 10:20 am Post subject: Landing gear orientation

Hi, Tim!



I'm also a "big guy", and I'm in the process of turning my gear around so the flat side faces forward. I'd much rather shift my weight forward when boarding, then put up any longer with the inability to hold the nose off after the mains touch in a full stall landing.



Given the low rotation speed of the 601, and the "nose heaviness" with a Corvair, I think it makes sense to move the pivot point forward (assuming tricycle gear).



But I'm used to thinking about the tail going down while boarding - this happens withh Grumman Tigers all the time when two big people get on the boarding steps at the same time.



The solution is to install a skid at the rear tie-down eye, which will protect the tail and the ring.



Rick Lindstrom

ZenVair N42KP (upgrade well underway!)

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DaveG601XL

Joined: 27 Oct 2006
Posts: 351
Location: Cincinnati, Oh

Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 4:29 pm Post subject: Re: Landing gear orientation

Tim,



I am also a big guy.  Only once when two of us were boarding the wing at the same time did we even start to tip the airplane.  My current practice, anyway now, is to board and strap in my passenger first and then I board.  No problems what so ever.  I am to the point where I can hold the nose off for a good 5-9 seconds after landing on the mains.



Go flat forward with your Jabiru and you will not look back.



Dave

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David Gallagher
Cincinnati, OH area

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