Van's Air Force
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Tailwheel towing
- Thread starter Davea320
- Start date
For the past 26+ years, I have been moving my RV-6 around using the Horizontal Stabilizer. There are over 3,500 flying hours on my airplane. A few years ago, I took the tail off to inspect the horizontal attachment holes to the fuselage and can report is looks just like it did when it first went together.
Yes, I have this setup and love it.
I have the Flyboy Accessories tail wheel lugs and a Bogert tow bar. They are compatible and work well together.
There are two things I don't like about the Bogert tow bar:
1. On my example, the quick-release pins are too loose in the holes, so they tend to fall out, which tends to wallow out the holes, which exacerbates the problem. I keep meaning to replace the pins with bolts and wingnuts.
2. If you are tall at all, it's easy to hit the rudder bottom fairing the towbar unless you bend over. They sell an add-on that helps with this, but I don't find it ideal because now the original handle hits me in the knee.
Having said that, they are generally nice towbars - I have owned three or four over the years for different airplanes.
As for glareshield edge protection, cheap options include a split length of fuel hose, or pinch welt material. If you want something more automotive-like and you don't mind spending a bit of coin, Classic Aero makes one that's really nice.
There are two things I don't like about the Bogert tow bar:
1. On my example, the quick-release pins are too loose in the holes, so they tend to fall out, which tends to wallow out the holes, which exacerbates the problem. I keep meaning to replace the pins with bolts and wingnuts.
2. If you are tall at all, it's easy to hit the rudder bottom fairing the towbar unless you bend over. They sell an add-on that helps with this, but I don't find it ideal because now the original handle hits me in the knee.
Having said that, they are generally nice towbars - I have owned three or four over the years for different airplanes.
As for glareshield edge protection, cheap options include a split length of fuel hose, or pinch welt material. If you want something more automotive-like and you don't mind spending a bit of coin, Classic Aero makes one that's really nice.
Andy612
Active Member
I used to maneuver my RV6 around on the ground pushing on the horizontal stab, like Gary does. It worked. But I found it difficult sometimes if the snow/ice build up in front of the hangar got a bit rough. Started using Flyboy's tow-bar bolt and this $99 tow bar from Spruce, and it just makes it a lot easier when the ground is a bit rough and or slippery.
Roadjunkie1
Well Known Member
I have a pretty small hangar and, with the Cub up front and SuzieQ on the North end, it is a tight space. I long ago bought a Tail Dragger Dragger which are still available and use it on SuzieQ. The Cub just rolls in and out of the front of the hangar using the handle and the horizontal. The Dragger would probably be easy to make but the current price (on their website) of $250 might be worth your time. That said, I have no hills to go up or down when I am moving SuzieQ.
Scott Hersha
Well Known Member
I bought this tow bar from ACS a few years ago and it works great with the axle bolt extensions from fly-boy. I think I only paid $75 back then, but still not too expensive. I put a slightly different length spring in mine from Home Depot to make it fit mine better. Easy to use, light weight and breaks down in case you want to travel with it.
www.aircraftspruce.com
Deluxe Cessna Towbar | Aircraft Spruce
Deluxe Cessna Towbar The deluxe Cessna towbar is very popular and designed for those who demand the ultimate in convenience and durability. Spring loaded forks allow easy one handed engagement without getting on yo...
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Sam Buchanan
been here awhile
I bought this tow bar from ACS a few years ago and it works great with the axle bolt extensions from fly-boy. I think I only paid $75 back then, but still not too expensive. I put a slightly different length spring in mine from Home Depot to make it fit mine better. Easy to use, light weight and breaks down in case you want to travel with it.
Deluxe Cessna Towbar | Aircraft Spruce
Deluxe Cessna Towbar The deluxe Cessna towbar is very popular and designed for those who demand the ultimate in convenience and durability. Spring loaded forks allow easy one handed engagement without getting on yo...
I've been using the "Cessna" tow bar since 1999 ($47.95!) for the RV-6 and while it may not be the most sophisticated option it continues to work well. I modified it slightly so I can use it with the Murray tug.
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planenutz
Well Known Member
I've recently taken delivery of a Flyboys tow bar and after 25 years of pushing an RV-6 around by the Horizontal, I can't believe we've left it this long to buy a tow bar.
There is no doubt that you have more manoeuvreability when pushing the tail around without the tow bar in order to get yourself into tight corners, or on those occasions where you can spin the aircraft around an obstacle and back it out... however the tow bar makes it a lot easier for the normal day to day placement in and out of the hangar and I feel better about not loading up the Horizontal with loads not associated with flight.
Regardless which version you decide to buy in the end, I'm certain you'll be glad you have one.
There is no doubt that you have more manoeuvreability when pushing the tail around without the tow bar in order to get yourself into tight corners, or on those occasions where you can spin the aircraft around an obstacle and back it out... however the tow bar makes it a lot easier for the normal day to day placement in and out of the hangar and I feel better about not loading up the Horizontal with loads not associated with flight.
Regardless which version you decide to buy in the end, I'm certain you'll be glad you have one.
jeffreyuh60
Active Member
Twenty years ago, I had a friend that used a piece of rope to do the same thing with his Luscombe.
