chepburn
Well Known Member
Hi all,
I'm in phase 1 testing.... this morning I noticed that as I taxied out to the ramp, my tailwheel steering seemed a little sloppy. Needed to use brakes more than usual. (It's -11C in Ottawa today)
Anyway, long story short, did my runup, taxied to the button and lined up (crosswind of about 5 knots...right at my limit speed for go/nogo)
Well... the tail doesn't feel right at all. Full rudder both ways, doesnt look like the detent pin is going to cooperate... and, since I am a low time t/w pilot, taking off might work, but landing and having to just use brakes for directional control might be a tad too exciting for me.
Its a scrub. Back to the hanger.
I pulled my tailwheel off...the detente pin was stuck inside the shaft. Heat didn't release it...so I added some oil, and worked it back and forth until it came free. I lightly cleaned and regreased the shaft and reinstalled the tailwheel.
Now, the question:
What do my fellow t/w pilots do to maintain the freedom of movement on this pin? Especially my fellow pilots who operate in cold conditions.
Chris.
I'm in phase 1 testing.... this morning I noticed that as I taxied out to the ramp, my tailwheel steering seemed a little sloppy. Needed to use brakes more than usual. (It's -11C in Ottawa today)
Anyway, long story short, did my runup, taxied to the button and lined up (crosswind of about 5 knots...right at my limit speed for go/nogo)
Well... the tail doesn't feel right at all. Full rudder both ways, doesnt look like the detent pin is going to cooperate... and, since I am a low time t/w pilot, taking off might work, but landing and having to just use brakes for directional control might be a tad too exciting for me.
Its a scrub. Back to the hanger.
I pulled my tailwheel off...the detente pin was stuck inside the shaft. Heat didn't release it...so I added some oil, and worked it back and forth until it came free. I lightly cleaned and regreased the shaft and reinstalled the tailwheel.
Now, the question:
What do my fellow t/w pilots do to maintain the freedom of movement on this pin? Especially my fellow pilots who operate in cold conditions.
Chris.