I had a look at the tailwheel modification as applied to ODTI while I was at
Kirbymoorside last week.
While the modification achieves the desired effect of simplifying takeoff and
landing I am not happy with the way it is being implemented in that I believe
it could lead to early failure of the lowest rudder hinge.
The modification as promulgated by Europa has you completely remove the
existing tailwheel assembly, bring the rudder cables out at the rear of the
fuselage and connect these to a new actuator bar that is fitted to the base
of the rudder. This bar then connects to two cables which, with springs,
turns the tailwheel. The tailwheel itself is supported by a steel bar which
feeds through the rear of the fuselage.
In the previous installation the stress of tailwheel rotation was being
absorbed by the strong bulkhead and now, albeit with some compensation
through the springs, the stress is being absorbed by the rudder hinge.
It would appear that a better way of implementing this modification wouold be
to retain the existing tailwheel shaft and rudder cable connection and fit a
new tailwheel actuator bar in place of the existing tailwheel. In effect the
assembly inside the aircraft would be duplicated outside. The cables to the
new tailwheel would then be run external to the aircraft.
I have ordered a tailwheel modification kit and will have a look at the
practicalities of my suggestions once it arrives.
Tony
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Tony Krzyzewski tonyk@kaon.co.nz
Managing Director Ph 64 9 520 4631
Kaon Technologies Fx 64 9 520 3321
Auckland New Zealand
Networkers visit www.kaon.co.nz
Aviators visit www.kaon.co.nz/europa/272index.html
and www.kaon.co.nz/saanz/
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