Sport Pilot Talk

leithalweapon · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 28 Location: DeKalb Illinois

I have a tail dragger that I hand prop. I am looking to build some sort of tail wheel tie down that I can release from the cockpit. I don't want to use a glider tow hook release because they are expensive and look a little heavy to be put on the tail wheel.
Anybody ever made one, seen one or know where I can view pictures of one?

3Dreaming · Joined: 10 Jan 2010 Posts: 301 Location: noble, IL USA

My dad had one on his T-Craft that he made. It was lighter than a glider tow hook. Sorry I don't have any pictures. There has been talk about this on the taylorcraft forum before. You might go there and do a search for the info. Tom

leithalweapon · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 28 Location: DeKalb Illinois

Thanks for the reply. I found something at Aircraft Spruce called The Pilot Buddy and I am going to give it a try.

Aerco · Joined: 26 Aug 2009 Posts: 68 Location: Corona CA

I have the same thing - I use it for getting a Cub started, when I am on my own. Rather overpriced; I found the same shackle at a sailboat chandler for about 8 bucks. It works well when you get it just right. Sometimes after tugging on the release string, the restraining string gets stuck in the tailwheel assembly and you need to climb out again. Once I decided to simply throw out the release cord, since I was only staying in the pattern - I came back to find I spent an hour doing touch & go's with the thing trailing behind me. It looks a little worse for wear now.

Jim Stewart · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 259

Sailboat snap shackle.