Tailwheel Dolly

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Tailwheel Dolly

Postby Corby202 » Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:07 am

Have any of you guy's come up with a tailwheel dolly that would fit a standard Sonex tailwheel that would make life easier when it came to moving the plane in the hanger??
Thanks in advance
Phil
Phil Bird
Sonex 759 JAB 2.2 Tailwheel
Mittagong NSW Australia
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Re: Tailwheel Dolly

Postby peter anson » Mon Feb 15, 2016 5:14 am

Hi Phil, I just pick my Sonex up by the tail wheel spring to wheel it around. It's so easy that if I had a handling dolly I probably wouldn't bother using it. There's lots of bigger GA aircraft at Kyneton and many of them have to use small tractors and motorized handling equipment to move their aircraft. It makes you feel so superior to be able to just move it by hand.

Peter
Sonex 894
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Re: Tailwheel Dolly

Postby DCASonex » Mon Feb 15, 2016 9:32 am

If you are careful and go slow, it is also possible to easily push a tail-dragger Sonex backwards on level hard surface. Advantage is that you can see where you are going while also watching wing tips. I do have a 6" tail wheel on my own bracket and results may vary with alternative wheels.

David A. Sonex TD
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Re: Tailwheel Dolly

Postby planeolbob » Mon Feb 15, 2016 11:02 am

I push on the rudder and pull using this gadget.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/32288421@ ... 998890631/

Bob Mika
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Re: Tailwheel Dolly

Postby fastj22 » Mon Feb 15, 2016 11:06 am

A small moving dolly from HF works pretty good too.
So does getting a fully swiveling tailwheel from flyboyaccessories.
http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/product-p/1130.htm

John Gillis
SEL Private, Comm Glider, Tow pilot (Pawnee Driver)
Waiex N116YX, Jabiru 3300, Tail dragger,
First flight, 3/16/2013. 403 hours and climbing.
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Re: Tailwheel Dolly

Postby Corby202 » Mon Feb 15, 2016 5:42 pm

Thanks for the reply's. Peter I do lift the tailwheel to get the plane in the hanger, it was more about making things easier for the other guys in the hanger( less chance of hanger rash on my plane) and getting the plane in a tight spot. A full swiveling tailwheel would work but I can not afford the weight.
Phil Bird
Sonex 759 JAB 2.2 Tailwheel
Mittagong NSW Australia
http://www.mykitlog.com/corby202/
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Re: Tailwheel Dolly

Postby peter anson » Tue Feb 16, 2016 6:27 am

Gotcha Phil, that makes sense. I only share with one other aircraft, and we can both get out without moving the other. Bob Mika's tow bar looks the go - easy to make from left overs.

Peter
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Re: Tailwheel Dolly

Postby Friesen5 » Tue Feb 16, 2016 10:02 am

Scrap ply wood, about 24 X 30 cm. Slot cut into the plywood to hold the tailwheel. Relief holes drilled for the bolt. I used 2" castors. Works well.

Image

Mervin Friesen
Sonex 122
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Re: Tailwheel Dolly

Postby WaiexN143NM » Tue Feb 16, 2016 11:37 am

Hi all and Mervin,
Thanks for posting the pic, yep been using that type dolly for a couple years now. Cheapest way to go is like John gillis mentioned, just swing by harbor freight for one. If u try to buy the parts piecemeal, will cost u double. Just remember to remove before engine start and taxi. May leave some fod for the next guy.
WaiexN143NM
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