Onex Tailwheel handling

[Hap Hazard]

Hi All,
I am new to the Onex and have recently brought a flying aircraft which is currently being transferred onto a new state register.
During this process, I have taken this opportunity to look into a few potential mods and would like to ask what people’s thoughts are on the direct link tailwheel handling is like at lower speeds? My aircraft has a modified link fitted and I am wary of non-factory issues and side loads being impinged upon the rudder horn.
I have been told that the tailwheel can be a bit “skittish” on the initial part of the takeoff roll, and if correct, was looking at installing a modified rudder horn to carry springs from the rudder horn to connect to tailwheel bell-crank to dampen rudder to tailwheel inputs.
What’s the communities thoughts?
HH

[Bryan Cotton]

Hi HH,
I fly a Waiex, not a Onex, but pretty similar systems. The direct link tailwheel makes it an extremely forgiving and easy to fly taildragger. I would not modify it. I have lots of hours in conventional tailwheel aircraft - PA12/18/25, J3, Pitts, C140, and some others. If you are looking for a downside, it is the wide turning circle. Despite that, I am not tempted to change it.

[BRS]

Without differential braking, going to springs might cause you to loose turn authority when needed most. I find the direct linked TW on my Sonex-A to take some getting used to. It's easy to over steer at first but without this compromise your turn radius would suffer while taxiing.

That said, on my want list is a full swivelling TW and differential brakes. Though it's still low priorety.
I agree with Bryon -leave it- until at least you have 20 hours or so and have gotten used to the plane.

[Hap Hazard]

Ok, thanks guys, will try as is then and see how we get on.
Regards,
HH

[tps8903]

I have the RV full castor wheel with differential brakes. It is set up to direct steer like a standard Sonex until about 35° or so, then brakes free. I like being able to 180 in a tail dragger.

[Skippydiesel]

That look like an "Aviation Product Incs" (API) single fork 4 in, tailwheel just like mine. The chrome on mine is very poor quality, had to paint the steering arm will have to do the fork soon. I don't have anything to compare it to but it seems heavy for such a small wheel.