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Tailskid repair

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Posted

I need to repair or replace a broken tailskid. Can't find a local biz able to help. Any suggestions?

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Posted (edited)

Here is a link to a guy who does fiberglass work.  Maybe he would build you one.  He used to build parts for Mini-Maxes and Hi-Maxes, probably still does.  I bought a fiberglass landing gear from him for my Himax.   I tried to get him interested in building a fiberglass gear for Avids and Kitfoxes.  If he had a plane to experiment on maybe he would have.  Anyway, contact him.  JImChuk

PS.  Can't you buy the part new from Aerotrek?

http://curedcomposites.com/

Edited by 1avidflyer

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Posted

Feather Lite makes fiberglass landing gear for Rutan aircraft (Long EZ, Cozy, etc).  You might try them.  No web site, but other contact information is:

 

1327 South State St., Airport,

Ukiah, CA 95482

Phone 707-462- 2939 Fx 462-3424 e-mail:

fthrlite@pacific.net

Larry Lombard Michael Dilley

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Posted (edited)

I would have a steel spring made to match the old one by the company that someone has listed on here (WyPaul?)  Might weigh a little more, but not as much worry about breakage.   Steel one would probably be a lot thinner than FG.  EDMO

Edited by EDMO
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Posted

If it broke that much S Glass (assuming it is S Glass), either the metal spring would be bent seriously, or the tail would have bent.  Moving the failure somewhere else might be more expensive in the long run.

Mark

 

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Posted (edited)

If it broke that much S Glass (assuming it is S Glass), either the metal spring would be bent seriously, or the tail would have bent.  Moving the failure somewhere else might be more expensive in the long run.

Mark

 

Mark,  I totally agree with what you are saying.  Perhaps I was not explicit enough concerning the thinner metal spring - It has to be a compromise - thin enough to spring with impact so you don't break the fuselage, but stiff enough to protect the rudder - Just look at the very thin tailskid that some Cessnas use, compared to the 1 to 3-leaf tailwheel springs of some Avids/Kitfoxes that don't usually break the fuselage when they bang the tailwheel down, with more weight on the tail than a tri-gear.  At least the metal spring can be reshaped and that is better than broken fiberglass IMO.   EDMO 

I was thinking about trying to use the aluminum tailspring that Grove makes for a tailskid - maybe with a steel extension....???  Robby could probably make one for you if you send him the old one for a pattern - Worth a call anyway - I know that he has made some "off-design" parts before.

Edited by EDMO

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Posted

Ed! I bought that aluminum Kitfox V tail spring you pointed out on Flebay, does anyone know much about them, it only weighs about 5 lbs.

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Posted (edited)

Al,  This spring is not listed in any of my old or new Grove catalogs - They were probably only sold to Skystar Aircraft for the Kitfox 5.  I have one.  I don't know if you can buy them from Grove, or have to get them from Kitfox.   I know that Robby Grove will make custom parts.  EDMO

Ed! I bought that aluminum Kitfox V tail spring you pointed out on Flebay, does anyone know much about them, it only weighs about 5 lbs.

 

Edited by EDMO

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