Tailwheel

[jwlynnav]

Has anyone installed a T3 tailwheel? If so what is your experience with it?

[counsellj]

Absolutely critical if you are doing any off-airport operations that are what I consider medium or greater intensity. I have broke two tail springs over the years. The last was only 500 hours since new, and it failed while taxing through bunch grass. I was lucky I never damaged my rudder during either failure. I try to wheel land 95% of the time, but between my gravel/sand/rock bar flying, competition STOL and STOL Drag flying and desert hunting landing areas, I know I was working those springs A LOT! The T3 is a game changer. I immediately noticed the reduction in impacts/loads being transmitted to the tail structure. I have had 1 or 2 signification impacts on my tailwheel that resulted with impact to my tailwheel rim, but the T3 absorbed the critical energy. I run a stock 3200 tailwheel on mine. I have also never had any shimmy with the T3, though, I didn't really have any with my original setup either. I hope this helps. BL: I won't fly without it on my plane.

[jwlynnav]

Thank you, I just bought a 53 model and I’m considering the mods I want to do other than engine upgrade. I’ve flown a TaylorCraft that has the T3 and like it. I’m looking forward to owning a 170B again.