Compression type tailwheel springs

J

JackC

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I still have the standard basic springs and chains for my old Scott solid tailwheel

Was recommended going to compression springs, anyone have any opinion on these? what size/gauge?

Thanks


They appear to be 13GA springs which seem a little big

www.aircraftspruce.com

Compression Type Connector | Aircraft Spruce ®

Compression Type Connector Set of 2 stainless steel springs, 2 chains, 4 connector clips P/N 06-15600 Springs Only P/N 06-15700 Connector Clips
www.aircraftspruce.com www.aircraftspruce.com
 
Minor alteration. I personally don't care for the compression springs. There is a hard stop in there somewhere.
 
I installed a set of compression springs (Maule?) years ago in hopes of reducing tailwheel shimmy. One spring is stronger than the other maybe to reduce harmonics but I still experience shimmy periodically. Generally, they work well enough that I haven't been motivated to replace them.
 
The springs that ACA uses are always in tension which doesn't really jive with what you typically see in tailwheel hardware. There are a few things that all have to be in order to prevent shimmy, getting the steering linkages just right is one part of it. There's a better video out there somewhere, it's been posted here at the site before but I can't find it this morning.


 
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Shimmy is no issue in my situation, goal was just less wear and better being better, if that would be the case or if I should leave well enough alone with the old style basic springs
 
Sully said:
It isn't broke.
Click to expand...

Figure if something is better wear wise?

I mean it’s got modern fabric, runs XC oil, hinges are lubed with corrosion X products and it’s got a T3 (well once the gov gets back to work and we can get the paperwork stamped) lol
 
They sre using the shutdown to delay your paperwork? Our FSDO is at full strength, and carrying on in a normal fashion.
 
Bob Turner said:
They sre using the shutdown to delay your paperwork? Our FSDO is at full strength, and carrying on in a normal fashion.
Click to expand...

My DAR has a stack of papers from everything from my basic T3 337 to imports held up due to the .gov temper tantrum

Hindsight I should not have waited till annual to get the T3 done, c'est la vie
 
Bob said it's a minor alteration to swap out the ACA springs with compression springs. I'm going to run that by my A&P/IA to see if he's ok with me changing them out. Not broken, phooey! lol. That tailwheel has a lot in common with boat ownership!
 
Bob Turner said:
Tailwheels do not have a TSO. It is unlikely that you will find FAA data on springs, either.
Click to expand...

Having gone down that rabbit hole, I can say going from the leaf spring to a T3 is a 337 all day long.

As for the springs on the side, I’d wager that’s minor enough no one is going to know or care ether way.
 
Probably. I took the time to get field approvals for two types of master cylinders. One could view them as part of a control system?

I don't know anything about the T3 - my impression is that it is STC'd for Cubs? Should have been an easy field approval.
 
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