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Sad
Hey guys, new problem with the mechanical brakes on my Chief...NO PARKING brake. I have some parts there under the inst. panel but not connected to any thing. What I have been doing when on Tarmac is pulling down on the lever at the wheel and inserting a block of wood to maintain some pressure on the pad. Also use wheel chocks, but they are plastic (light!) and not really effective on the pavement. Any comment appreciated and info as to where I might obtain sketches, drwgs or instructions?
I had a homemade towbar that was way better than nothing, but I chose to buy the Taildragger Dragger from Spruce. It was kind of pricey, but it turned out to be one of the better purchases I made in awhile. I find it very easy to use. You're only lifting the tail wheel a couple of inches. The lifting effort is very small (way less than the pulling/pushing effort required to get things rolling). The lack of effort to lift is probably due to the geometry of the bar which is bent.
My Chief has the equipment on the plane but the cables have been cut and during the last annual the IA asked what they were and I told him. Also told him that I did not trust the parking brake to do anything so used chocks then chained the tail during hand propping. He smiled and said "I agree" and passed the airplane without the parking brake functioning.
Its really not very good and I would never trust it to hand prop the airplane. There are parts for sale on Ebay from time to time but pls be careful what you use it for.
thanks guys for the info and advice. I use the brakes primarily for making tight turns getting to the hanger, and mag checks. they hold quite well to about 1900 rpm. I have learned to use the hand starter and have never yet had to hand prop it. My problem is the people who nearly always want to prop it for me! thanks again and I will keep you posted on my progress with my little yellow bird.
