Unique use for bungee cords- Tailwheels springs

[winsor68]

Found this photo on an advert for a nice little single seat aeroplane for sale... Would this be ok? I guess they would be easily replaceable... and cheap!!!

 

 

 

[pudestcon]

The same principal is used on my Thruster, and other Thrusters I have seen, but with better adaption for security. My tailwheel has a number of loops of shock rubber, the kind you can get at Bunnings, then tensioned up to provide the correct amount of control authority and to stop tailwheel 'shimmy' - reminds me; I still have a bit of that I must sort out. In addition, my tailwheel has a positive but loose linkage made from flying wire material so I still have some control if the shock rubber/bungy cord lets go. I'll see if I can find a photo to post here.

 

To answer your question Win - I reckon I would modify the set up as shown in the photo. Not quite secure enough for me.

 

Pud

 

 

[winsor68]

Thanks... I am not quite in the market yet but it is good to learn about this stuff. The aircraft is a beautiful little machine... the use of the bungees is certainly practical and economical.

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

Right from the start with the early Stolaeros and Condors i found trying to get a decent tail wheel spring set up for steering to be a pain. The final answer was simple. Leave it non steerable just put a friction washer in there for a bit of resistance. Rudder and throttle works ok for me.