JD Air Tailwheel tow bar.

[FasGlas]

Review: I just got the new version of the JD Air tailwheel tow bar. I needed a tow bar for my RV-7 but didn't want one of those clumsy bars Spruce sells. So, after some looking and some emails I connected with Brian at JD Air. He was in the process of some redesign of his Carbon Clamp style tow bar. After some test fits the tow bar was ready. He shipped mine and now I'm using it. This tow bar is great... It's very light, breaks down into 3 parts so it can be stored easily in the baggage, strong carbon fiber, clamps tight on the axle... Very impressed!!

 

[bdbeatty]

Thank you for the great feedback!! So thrilled you like it! And for all you nosewheel pilots, don’t you worry. We just completed the nose version too. We will have a few at Oshkosh, but it’s better to get them soon they are going fast!

 

[clam]

Any truth to the rumor this tow bar has, or may have at some point, the capability to act as a control lock as well?

 

[rv8ch]

Probably not enough coffee, but I can't quite see how it grabs the axle - can you help me out with that? Does it work both pulling and pushing? Thanks!

 

[pazmanyflyer]

Probably not enough coffee, but I can't quite see how it grabs the axle - can you help me out with that? Does it work both pulling and pushing? Thanks!

IIRC it’s a twisting action of the handle that opens/closes the claw. He was showing the proto last year at OSH.

 

[FasGlas]

Probably not enough coffee, but I can't quite see how it grabs the axle - can you help me out with that? Does it work both pulling and pushing? Thanks!

There's a cup on each side of the jaw clamp. Turning the tube/handle loosens and tightens the jaws. The cups fit over the axle bolt head and Nyloc. Turn the handle and it locks onto the tailwheel. It's a good solid hold, you can pull, turn and push. You do have to remove the castle nut and replace it with a Nyloc.

 

[bdbeatty]

Any truth to the rumor this tow bar has, or may have at some point, the capability to act as a control lock as well?

Yes, we are currently working on the alternative attach mechanism so the main gripper of the axle can capture your rudder pedals and then lock in to a new piece that holds the stick. It’s in design, lots of considerations with the many RV models.