SonexBuilders.net

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.