SonexBuilders.net

A Forum for Sonex Aircraft Builders and Enthusiasts

Skip to content

LogoLogoLogo
random user submitted photo

How Straight is Your Tailwheel

Discussion for Sonex builders on specific plans page experience. These posts are limited to technical suggestions such as assembly order, challenges, or techniques related to specific plans pages.
Post a reply

How Straight is Your Tailwheel

Postby Direct C51 » Tue May 10, 2016 2:08 pm

I just completed my tailwheel assembly with the Sonex 6" machined tailwheel. As careful as I was to drill the tail spring precisely straight, it somehow got canted in the multiple up drilling. With the tailspring bracket on a level surface, the tailwheel is canted 7 degrees. I would imagine the tailwheel will naturally want to be level, causing it to steer 7 degrees to the left. How close did you guys get your tailwheel, and has any cant caused ground handling troubles?
Direct C51
 
Posts: 178
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2014 8:32 pm
Top

Re: How Straight is Your Tailwheel

Postby Bryan Cotton » Tue May 10, 2016 2:36 pm

Mine is pretty straight! Screwed up, welded a sleeve on, got it right on try 2.
Bryan Cotton
Poplar Grove, IL C77
Waiex 191 N191YX
Taildragger, Aerovee, acro ailerons
dual sticks with sport trainer controls
Prebuilt spars and machined angle kit
Year 2 flying and approaching 200 hours December 23
User avatar
Bryan Cotton
 
Posts: 5489
Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2013 9:54 pm
Location: C77
Top

Re: How Straight is Your Tailwheel

Postby Darick » Tue May 10, 2016 8:51 pm

Yep, mine is off a bit too. I would imagine it would eventually wear to the degree that it is canted. I intended to see how bad it taxied before trying to make it perfectly straight.
Darick Gundy
Sonex #1646
N417DG
Taildragger, Aerovee, center stick, Prince P-Tip Prop
MGL E1, F2, V6 radio, Sandia Xponder, Reserve lift indicator (AOA), iFly 520
First flight! 10/21/2017
User avatar
Darick
 
Posts: 496
Joined: Mon Aug 05, 2013 9:39 pm
Location: PA
Top

Re: How Straight is Your Tailwheel

Postby fastj22 » Tue May 10, 2016 9:12 pm

You will want it straight. Mine is slightly off and it pulls a bit to on side.

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.
Home: CO15. KOSH x 5
Flying a B-Model Conversion (Super Bee Baby!)
User avatar
fastj22
 
Posts: 1594
Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:56 pm
Location: Mile High
Top

Re: How Straight is Your Tailwheel

Postby DCASonex » Wed May 11, 2016 7:17 pm

The tail wheel is designed offset like a caster, and tries to act like one. Canted to the side will definitely have an adverse effect. If you have a common swivel caster around, hold it by hand and tip to one side. That should provide all the convincing you will need.

David A. Sonex TD
DCASonex
 
Posts: 935
Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2011 8:04 pm
Location: Western NY USA
Top

Post a reply

Return to Sonex Plans

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 17 guests

Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group

SonexBuilders.net is NOT affiliated with Sonex Aircraft LLC. Discussion contents reflect the views of individual participants only. The owner of SonexBuilders.net makes no guarantees about the correctness or the accuracy of ANY of the information on or in any area or page of SonexBuilders.net. Verify ALL information obtained from SonexBuilders.net with the kit designer, equipment manufacturer, or other original official source before using that information. By participating in this website in any form, (including but not limited to reading, viewing, posting, and private messaging) you agree not to hold the owner (AVED LLC), owner members, forum members, or advertisers of SonexBuilders.net legally liable for information found on any of the pages of the website.

SonexBuilders.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.