Tailwheel Spring Connector Links

DC Krog · Post by **DC Krog** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 20:26

Happy Independence Day!
I wanted to give a maintenance tip to my fellow Champ drivers out there.

I was doing my annual inspection on my Champ this past week and thought I shed some light on an overlooked part that could possibly cause someone to lose control during landing or taxi.

I was looking over my tailwheel springs connector links and saw both were worn half way through. In time (don't know when but certainly soon) these connector link would have snap away from the rudder arm/tailwheel connection leading to loss of steering on one side.

So my advise is to pre-flight your links when you get a chance and see if there is any wear. Spruce and Univair have this inexpensive links at around $2.40 ea. This cheap part might save your pride one day.

Anyway though you guys might take a look since I hate to see any NTSB reports or AD's formed for this issue.

Fly Safe,
Don

Post by **joea** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 21:14

Might add to this to use "eyelets" in the place of links where it hooks onto the rudder horn. This part goes right in the hole on the rudder horn on both sides and when it wears, you buy a new eyelet.

Lots cheaper than a rudder horn, which is running about $180 these days.

Joe A

Roger Anderson · Post by **Roger Anderson** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 21:49

If you don't feel an urge for a Scott rudder arm/horn, AS and Wag Aero both have them, 3/4 and 1 inch, for $35 to $40 . Those cheaper ones will probably last for another 50 years.

DC Krog · Post by **DC Krog** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 22:00

I like the eyelet addition which I think is a excellent idea. I ordered a couple from Spruce today online. I checked out the prices for tailwail rudder arm and all most fell off my chair. The prices for these parts are (and have been) out of control. It just shows the faa is part of the problem not the solution. Why they make it so difficult to make parts approval it is beyond me.

flyingfool · Post by **flyingfool** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 22:08

I also put a double loop of safety wire around the chain links just for my concern of the chain breaking. The hope being that the safety wire will provide the link between the rudder arm and the tailwheel arm.

I also installed the AN42B eyelets on my rudder arm.

Post by **joea** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 23:22

From the thread here: http://joea.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t= ... c&start=45

Captgrumps · Post by **Captgrumps** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 00:34

I always safety wire my tailwheel springs . Been doing it since they invented safety wire. A real OF taught me to do it.

Doug