alaskan bushwheel (Scott 3200 clone)

[low-n-slow]

Has anyone installed an Alaskan bushwheel tailwheel assembly on a champ? If so, what is the concensus?

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Same as a Scott 3200: raises the tail an inch or two which lowers the deck angle. It's about a pound or two heavier than the little solid rubber tailwheel (Lang, Scott 2000, Maule) which isn't really a bad thing. Makes the ride much smoother, and handles soft or sandy soil like a dream.

All things equal; I like them. If I had the extra cash, OR if/when my little Scott 2000 fails, I'll get an ABW 3200.

nkh

*** Haven't tried one yet on a Champ, but have on a SportCub and SuperCub. ***

[Paul Agaliotis]

I,ve put one on my 7AC, N85537. It is a good quality tail wheel and a 3200 clone. When first installed it would not unlock in either direction. I returned it to ABW and they "adjusted" it. It works fine now. My opinion is unless you operate off field it,s too much tailwheel.
My tailwheel of choice is built by Aviation Products. It,s a dual fork 6 inch solid wheel available direct or from AS&S p/n 6122. It,s also about 1/3 the price and bullet proof.
Paul

[DRP]

[/quote]My tailwheel of choice is built by Aviation Products. It,s a dual fork 6 inch solid wheel available direct or from AS&S p/n 6122. It,s also about 1/3 the price and bullet proof.[quote]

Is that STC'ed for the 7EC? I need to replace my Scott 2000 tire and I was thinking of getting the dual fork tailwheel assembly such as the Alaskan or the Scott 3200, but they are so expensive and probably more than I need...

Thanks...

Dan
N9721N
1958 Champion 7EC

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dan,
The tailwheel is acceptable for installation on any CAR 4a certified aircraft. The 7EC was certified under CAR 4a, but has some added Part 23 items based on the serial number.
If you go to the TCDS under the Specifications Pertinent to all Models you can find the Certification basis and serial numbers effected for the 7EC.
Paul

[DRP]

If you go to the TCDS under the Specifications Pertinent to all Models you can find the Certification basis and serial numbers effected for the 7EC.

Paul, et al...

I just looked through the TCDS but could not find anything specific to this model Tailwheel or any reference to my SN 661. Maybe I am missing something; I am not skilled or experienced in this type of thing. Please explain what I may be doing wrong or how I might be looking in the wrong place.

Thanks.

Dan

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dan,
At the end of the TCDS you will find the Specification area. It has the information specific to the 7EC.
The information in the TCDS is certification information not installation approval.
Paul

[DRP]

Paul, et al...

Here is some interesting information; I hope it will be helpful to others too.

Today I spoke with Karen at Aviation Products, (805-646-6042,) re: their "Heavy Duty," double fork, full swivel, steerable tailwheel. I asked if it was approved for use on a 7EC. She noted that their primary market interest was homebuilders, but that recently American Champion Aircraft had been ordering that tailwheel for installation on their aircraft!

I then placed a call to ACA, (262-534-6315,) and left a voicemail for Jody in Technical Services. He promptly returned my call and said that they had revised the drawings for the 7EC to specify that tailwheel! (Drawing No. 3-486, Model No. 7EC, DCN No. AC-1353, first issued on 05/17/07) The ADD note states "Aviation Products 6131 alt. for AVOX 3000." How about that for timing!

I assume that this means if my tailwheel tire and bearings are found to be too "tired," that I could change over to this tailwheel assembly with a logbook entry and A&P signoff.

Any thoughts on whether to change from the single arm to the double arm? I operate out of an Adirondack "grass" field; that is to say some grass, some hay, some sand and some gravel. I am particularly interested in hearing from Paul on why this is his "tailwheel of choice."

Thanks again,

Dan

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dan,
I,ve been using this wheel for about ten years and have had absolutly no problems. The locking system doesnt loosen to give you the freeplay in the centering. All of the wheels were the dual fork design. I used a 4" wheel on my Tandem and the little wheel was just too small. Buy the 6" dual fork model. The cost is affordable and the product is good.
In the past there were concerns that it lacked TSO information. TSO,s are a minimum standard to conform to, and the lack of it is not cause for rejection. BTW, all of you who have used or installed the King KX 170 radios, they are not TSO,d either.
Give Karen a hello for me.
Paul