SonexBuilders.net

Anybody else seen or use the flyboy full swivel tailwheel for Sonex? I noticed it mentioned on one of the posts over on the Vans forums.

http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/product-p/1130.htm

I am too early in my flight testing to even think about making the switch but it is interesting.

Keith
#554

In order to use a full-swivel tailwheel you need differential braking. Installing differential braking adds weight and complexity to a lightweight, simple airplane. You don't get something for nothing.

Sonerai13 wrote:In order to use a full-swivel tailwheel you need differential braking. Installing differential braking adds weight and complexity to a lightweight, simple airplane. You don't get something for nothing.

And I would point out that a swiveling tailwheel increases any aircraft's susceptibility to ground-looping, relative to the Sonex-style "direct-link" tailwheel.

The major benefit of a swiveling tailwheel is a tighter turning radius; but IMHO I have a hard time believing that this single benefit outweighs the added weight, cost, complexity, maintenance, and ground-loop possibilities. At least when it comes to the vast majority of pilots and airfields out there.

--Noel

I never said that I thought it was a good idea. It was just the first time I have heard of the product and was curious if anybody had tried it. There are a number of people out there with bigger tires, differential breaking, non-sonex provided tailwheels, extended forks, etc. It is an experimental aircraft after all.

Keith
#554

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Thanks for the link, already have differential braking, but also have 6" tail wheel and no way I would go back to a 4". Idea is interesting enough to take another look at possibility of making 6" full swivel, but suspect it will raise tail too much.

David A

DCASonex wrote:Idea is interesting enough to take another look at possibility of making 6" full swivel, but suspect it will raise tail too much.

I don't think raising the tail is a problem. The nose gear Sonex raises the tail pretty high.

I don't understand how it swivels AND steers. Seems like and oxymoron.

mike.smith wrote:I don't understand how it swivels AND steers. Seems like and oxymoron.

It uses a spring loaded detent pin to capture the control arm to the pintle on the bracket. So you get direct steering until the force is sufficient to push in the detent and the wheel swings freely. It doesn't take much force to break the wheel out of the detent. But for slow speed taxiing its locked in. Most tailwheel planes are like this. Sonex is the outlier here.
I have differential brakes and if it would handle a 6 inch tailwheel, I'd probably spring for one. I sure would like to be able to turn on a dime at the end of a runway.

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