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yellowbird1
Joined: 01 Nov 2012
Posts: 88
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 Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 11:43 am Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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I’m having steering problems with my Xtra. Two Issues:
- I was doing some familiarization taxing. I taxied it down the runway at about 3000 RPM and it was all over the place. At first I though I was just over controlling it but I don’t think that is the case. I tried a few times with the same result. I the last attempt I ended running off the side of the runway. I had another experienced Kolb pilot (Dennis Kirby) taxi it as well. We aborted the taxi test because we were unable to turn to the right even with full right brake and power. After getting back to the hanger we had a look at the tail wheel and noticed that the linkage from the rudder to the tail wheel seemed loose. I shortened the chains by one link. However, can the chain linkage be too tight?
- The tail wheel is somewhat hard to unlock going clockwise (nose is 12:00) and very very difficult, if at all, going counter clock wise. I have regressed the tailwheel but that doesn’t seem to help.
Thanks in advance,
Yellow Bird 1
(Brad)
MKIII Xtra
N952DK
[quote][b]
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Brad Nation,
Albuquerque, NM
MK3 Xtra |
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james.vanlaak(at)gmail.co
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| Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 2:56 pm Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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I bought an Xtra this year and had a terrible time with it despite having 3000 hours of tailwheel time. Here are the problems I fixed:
1. The rudders were not rigged right. Because of the offset between where the two rudder pedals mount, the builder making the cables the same length put the right pedal about an inch forward of the left when the rudder was centered. This felt funny, limited the right rudder travel, and made the brake pedal really ineffective when turning to the right.
2. There was a ton of air in the brakes lines. I purged it and the brakes (dual puck) work great.
3. I extended the length of the bar on the bottom of the rudder to add travel to the tailwheel. Now the point where the tailwheel chains attach are about 3/4" further out than before. This makes the tailwheel much more effective (see next) and lets you break it into full swivel only at extreme travel.
4. I had the little 4 inch tailwheel and it was not very good. I put the larger 6 incher on and it and it is much better.
Now it almost drives like a car. A strong left crosswind can make it veer to the left until there is enough airflow over the tail so I start the throttle forward slowly and aim slightly to the right on takeoff. Landings are not a problem.
Jim
On Sat, Oct 26, 2013 at 3:43 PM, Brad Nation <nationcap(at)comcast.net (nationcap(at)comcast.net)> wrote:
[quote]I’m having steering problems with my Xtra. Two Issues:
- I was doing some familiarization taxing. I taxied it down the runway at about 3000 RPM and it was all over the place. At first I though I was just over controlling it but I don’t think that is the case. I tried a few times with the same result. I the last attempt I ended running off the side of the runway. I had another experienced Kolb pilot (Dennis Kirby) taxi it as well. We aborted the taxi test because we were unable to turn to the right even with full right brake and power. After getting back to the hanger we had a look at the tail wheel and noticed that the linkage from the rudder to the tail wheel seemed loose. I shortened the chains by one link. However, can the chain linkage be too tight?
- The tail wheel is somewhat hard to unlock going clockwise (nose is 12:00) and very very difficult, if at all, going counter clock wise. I have regressed the tailwheel but that doesn’t seem to help.
Thanks in advance,
Yellow Bird 1
(Brad)
MKIII Xtra
N952DK
| Quote: |
get="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List
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[b]
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John Hauck
Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)
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| Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 9:41 am Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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Yellow Bird 1/Kolbers:
I use compression springs. Some of the springs issued with Kolb kits do not have enough tension to do the job. The rudder is deflected, but the spring stretches and the tail wheel does not respond.
Here are some from Aircraft Spruce:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/lgpages/06-15700.php
john h
mkIII
Titus, Alabama
I’m having steering problems with my Xtra. Two Issues:
- I was doing some familiarization taxing. I taxied it down the runway at about 3000 RPM and it was all over the place. At first I though I was just over controlling it but I don’t think that is the case. I tried a few times with the same result. I the last attempt I ended running off the side of the runway. I had another experienced Kolb pilot (Dennis Kirby) taxi it as well. We aborted the taxi test because we were unable to turn to the right even with full right brake and power. After getting back to the hanger we had a look at the tail wheel and noticed that the linkage from the rudder to the tail wheel seemed loose. I shortened the chains by one link. However, can the chain linkage be too tight?
- The tail wheel is somewhat hard to unlock going clockwise (nose is 12:00) and very very difficult, if at all, going counter clock wise. I have regressed the tailwheel but that doesn’t seem to help.
Thanks in advance,
Yellow Bird 1
(Brad)
MKIII Xtra
N952DK
[quote] [b]
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John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama |
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skime2(at)roadrunner.com
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| Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 3:55 pm Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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I just did my solo today in a Kolb Mk III Xtra, and during my training, I did a few hard landings. My landing gear (s) are bent out some. I will be replacing them this winter, but want to get flight time in before the cold weather sets in and I put the plane away. Am I at risk in take off/ taxi with my gear bow legged????
From: Roy Spangler (roy.spangler(at)kirtland.edu)
Sent: 27 October, 2013 12:48 PM
To: kolb-list(at)matronics.com (kolb-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: Re: Xtra Steering Problems
Brad,
In the for what it's worth department. If the wheels toe out even a little bit
you'll have a handful.
roy
On Sat, Oct 26, 2013 at 3:43 PM, Brad Nation <nationcap(at)comcast.net (nationcap(at)comcast.net)> wrote:
| Quote: | I’m having steering problems with my Xtra. Two Issues:
- I was doing some familiarization taxing. I taxied it down the runway at about 3000 RPM and it was all over the place. At first I though I was just over controlling it but I don’t think that is the case. I tried a few times with the same result. I the last attempt I ended running off the side of the runway. I had another experienced Kolb pilot (Dennis Kirby) taxi it as well. We aborted the taxi test because we were unable to turn to the right even with full right brake and power. After getting back to the hanger we had a look at the tail wheel and noticed that the linkage from the rudder to the tail wheel seemed loose. I shortened the chains by one link. However, can the chain linkage be too tight?
- The tail wheel is somewhat hard to unlock going clockwise (nose is 12:00) and very very difficult, if at all, going counter clock wise. I have regressed the tailwheel but that doesn’t seem to help.
Thanks in advance,
Yellow Bird 1
(Brad)
MKIII Xtra
N952DK
| Quote: |
get="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List
tp://forums.matronics.com
_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution
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[quote]
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c
[b]
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russk50(at)gmail.com
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| Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 4:24 pm Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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Congrats on the solo! -- but as to flying with bent gear? I sure wouldn't chance it. Even if you TO OK, you still have to land! If the gear's out of track you can have a wild handful on landing. But I haven't even seen the extent of the bends.
I assume you plan to keep this lil bird?
Russ
On Oct 27, 2013, at 7:56 PM, Larry Dunphy wrote:
[quote] I just did my solo today in a Kolb Mk III Xtra, and during my training, I did a few hard landings. My landing gear (s) are bent out some. I will be replacing them this winter, but want to get flight time in before the cold weather sets in and I put the plane away. Am I at risk in take off/ taxi with my gear bow legged????
From: Roy Spangler (roy.spangler(at)kirtland.edu)
Sent: 27 October, 2013 12:48 PM
To: kolb-list(at)matronics.com (kolb-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: Re: Xtra Steering Problems
Brad,
In the for what it's worth department. If the wheels toe out even a little bit
you'll have a handful.
roy
On Sat, Oct 26, 2013 at 3:43 PM, Brad Nation <nationcap(at)comcast.net (nationcap(at)comcast.net)> wrote:
| Quote: | I’m having steering problems with my Xtra. Two Issues:
- I was doing some familiarization taxing. I taxied it down the runway at about 3000 RPM and it was all over the place. At first I though I was just over controlling it but I don’t think that is the case. I tried a few times with the same result. I the last attempt I ended running off the side of the runway. I had another experienced Kolb pilot (Dennis Kirby) taxi it as well. We aborted the taxi test because we were unable to turn to the right even with full right brake and power. After getting back to the hanger we had a look at the tail wheel and noticed that the linkage from the rudder to the tail wheel seemed loose. I shortened the chains by one link. However, can the chain linkage be too tight?
- The tail wheel is somewhat hard to unlock going clockwise (nose is 12:00) and very very difficult, if at all, going counter clock wise. I have regressed the tailwheel but that doesn’t seem to help.
Thanks in advance,
Yellow Bird 1
(Brad)
MKIII Xtra
N952DK
| Quote: |
get="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List
tp://forums.matronics.com
_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution
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[b]
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skime2(at)roadrunner.com
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 4:39 pm Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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I do ... the legs are more “bowed” than bent ... I understand this is common with the Kolb aluminum gears. I taxied and flew today with no issue, but saw the post from someone who did have issues, and the reply concerning the toe-out.
From: kinne russ (russk50(at)gmail.com)
Sent: 27 October, 2013 8:24 PM
To: kolb-list(at)matronics.com (kolb-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: Re: Xtra Steering Problems
Congrats on the solo! -- but as to flying with bent gear? I sure wouldn't chance it. Even if you TO OK, you still have to land! If the gear's out of track you can have a wild handful on landing. But I haven't even seen the extent of the bends.
I assume you plan to keep this lil bird?
Russ
On Oct 27, 2013, at 7:56 PM, Larry Dunphy wrote:
| Quote: | I just did my solo today in a Kolb Mk III Xtra, and during my training, I did a few hard landings. My landing gear (s) are bent out some. I will be replacing them this winter, but want to get flight time in before the cold weather sets in and I put the plane away. Am I at risk in take off/ taxi with my gear bow legged????
From: Roy Spangler (roy.spangler(at)kirtland.edu)
Sent: 27 October, 2013 12:48 PM
To: kolb-list(at)matronics.com (kolb-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: Re: Xtra Steering Problems
Brad,
In the for what it's worth department. If the wheels toe out even a little bit
you'll have a handful.
roy
On Sat, Oct 26, 2013 at 3:43 PM, Brad Nation <nationcap(at)comcast.net (nationcap(at)comcast.net)> wrote:
| Quote: | I’m having steering problems with my Xtra. Two Issues:
- I was doing some familiarization taxing. I taxied it down the runway at about 3000 RPM and it was all over the place. At first I though I was just over controlling it but I don’t think that is the case. I tried a few times with the same result. I the last attempt I ended running off the side of the runway. I had another experienced Kolb pilot (Dennis Kirby) taxi it as well. We aborted the taxi test because we were unable to turn to the right even with full right brake and power. After getting back to the hanger we had a look at the tail wheel and noticed that the linkage from the rudder to the tail wheel seemed loose. I shortened the chains by one link. However, can the chain linkage be too tight?
- The tail wheel is somewhat hard to unlock going clockwise (nose is 12:00) and very very difficult, if at all, going counter clock wise. I have regressed the tailwheel but that doesn’t seem to help.
Thanks in advance,
Yellow Bird 1
(Brad)
MKIII Xtra
N952DK
| Quote: |
get="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List
tp://forums.matronics.com
_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution
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[quote]
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c
[b]
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racerjerry
Joined: 15 Dec 2009
Posts: 202
Location: Deer Park, NY
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| Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 4:29 am Post subject: Re: Xtra Steering Problems |
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If flying off a grass field, there will be no problem. If flying off pavement, there COULD be a problem, but generally, Kolb taildraggers are not overly sensitive to toe error.
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skime2(at)roadrunner.com
Guest
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| Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 4:59 am Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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THANK YOU for your input... I will be flying off grass, but being a new 61
year old pilot ... I'm a bit cautious. The learning curve is a LONG slope
when you get older!!
--
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capedavis(at)yahoo.com
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| Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 7:43 am Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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I would suggest you remove the gear and straighten them with a hydraulic press ! Quick and easy repair till you get new ones after you perfect your landings ,not that anyone ever feels perfect1 CHRIS
Chris Davis
KXP 503 492 hrs
Glider Pilot
Disabled from crash building Firefly
[quote]
From: Larry Dunphy <skime2(at)roadrunner.com>
To: kolb-list(at)matronics.com
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2013 7:56 PM
Subject: Re: Xtra Steering Problems
I just did my solo today in a Kolb Mk III Xtra, and during my training, I did a few hard landings. My landing gear (s) are bent out some. I will be replacing them this winter, but want to get flight time in before the cold weather sets in and I put the plane away. Am I at risk in take off/ taxi with my gear bow legged????
From: Roy Spangler (roy.spangler(at)kirtland.edu)
Sent: 27 October, 2013 12:48 PM
To: kolb-list(at)matronics.com (kolb-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: Re: Xtra Steering Problems
Brad,
In the for what it's worth department. If the wheels toe out even a little bit
you'll have a handful.
roy
On Sat, Oct 26, 2013 at 3:43 PM, Brad Nation <nationcap(at)comcast.net (nationcap(at)comcast.net)> wrote:
| Quote: | I’m having steering problems with my Xtra. Two Issues:
- I was doing some familiarization taxing. I taxied it down the runway at about 3000 RPM and it was all over the place. At first I though I was just over controlling it but I don’t think that is the case. I tried a few times with the same result. I the last attempt I ended running off the side of the runway. I had another experienced Kolb pilot (Dennis Kirby) taxi it as well. We aborted the taxi test because we were unable to turn to the right even with full right brake and power. After getting back to the hanger we had a look at the tail wheel and noticed that the linkage from the rudder to the tail wheel seemed loose. I shortened the chains by one link. However, can the chain linkage be too tight?
- The tail wheel is somewhat hard to unlock going clockwise (nose is 12:00) and very very difficult, if at all, going counter clock wise. I have regressed the tailwheel but that doesn’t seem to help.
Thanks in advance,
Yellow Bird 1
(Brad)
MKIII Xtra
N952DK
| Quote: |
get="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List
tp://forums.matronics.com
_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution
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href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
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http://wf="http://forums.matronics.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http:========================
target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.matronics.com/contribution |
[b]
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lcottrell
Joined: 29 May 2006
Posts: 1494
Location: Jordan Valley, Or
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| Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 6:16 pm Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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Bending them back is easy and proper to do, just make sure that you put a 2x4 or something between the gear and the press. No scratches allowed.Larry
On Mon, Oct 28, 2013 at 9:42 AM, chris davis <capedavis(at)yahoo.com (capedavis(at)yahoo.com)> wrote:
| Quote: |
I would suggest you remove the gear and straighten them with a hydraulic press ! Quick and easy repair till you get new ones after you perfect your landings ,not that anyone ever feels perfect1 CHRIS
Chris Davis
KXP 503 492 hrs
Glider Pilot
Disabled from crash building Firefly
| Quote: |
From: Larry Dunphy <skime2(at)roadrunner.com (skime2(at)roadrunner.com)>
To: kolb-list(at)matronics.com (kolb-list(at)matronics.com)
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2013 7:56 PM
Subject: Re: Xtra Steering Problems
I just did my solo today in a Kolb Mk III Xtra, and during my training, I did a few hard landings. My landing gear (s) are bent out some. I will be replacing them this winter, but want to get flight time in before the cold weather sets in and I put the plane away. Am I at risk in take off/ taxi with my gear bow legged????
From: Roy Spangler (roy.spangler(at)kirtland.edu)
Sent: 27 October, 2013 12:48 PM
To: kolb-list(at)matronics.com (kolb-list(at)matronics.com)
Subject: Re: Xtra Steering Problems
Brad,
In the for what it's worth department. If the wheels toe out even a little bit
you'll have a handful.
roy
On Sat, Oct 26, 2013 at 3:43 PM, Brad Nation <nationcap(at)comcast.net (nationcap(at)comcast.net)> wrote:
| Quote: | I’m having steering problems with my Xtra. Two Issues:
- I was doing some familiarization taxing. I taxied it down the runway at about 3000 RPM and it was all over the place. At first I though I was just over controlling it but I don’t think that is the case. I tried a few times with the same result. I the last attempt I ended running off the side of the runway. I had another experienced Kolb pilot (Dennis Kirby) taxi it as well. We aborted the taxi test because we were unable to turn to the right even with full right brake and power. After getting back to the hanger we had a look at the tail wheel and noticed that the linkage from the rudder to the tail wheel seemed loose. I shortened the chains by one link. However, can the chain linkage be too tight?
- The tail wheel is somewhat hard to unlock going clockwise (nose is 12:00) and very very difficult, if at all, going counter clock wise. I have regressed the tailwheel but that doesn’t seem to help.
Thanks in advance,
Yellow Bird 1
(Brad)
MKIII Xtra
N952DK
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get="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List
tp://forums.matronics.com
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If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending.
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Rex Rodebush
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 209
Location: Branson West area, Missouri
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| Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 1:24 pm Post subject: Re: Xtra Steering Problems |
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Call Travis and about the steel legs. You won't have to worry about bending them.
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yellowbird1
Joined: 01 Nov 2012
Posts: 88
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| Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 7:00 pm Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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I took apart the tail wheel, cleaned, polished, and greased it with new grease. When I put it back into the housing it turned both ways and releases just fine. However, when in put the flat arm that connects the tail wheel to the rudder I get the same problem of it being veeerrry difficult to free it up so that it swivels when I turn it clock wise.
So how is the notch where the spring ping I the connecting plat supposed to look? Currently the spring pin fits like a glove vs. the cut out part on the that'll wheel housing? Should it be tapered like the on the tail wheel housing or a tight fit?
Sent from my iPad
Brad
| Quote: | On Oct 28, 2013, at 6:29, "racerjerry" <gki(at)suffolk.lib.ny.us> wrote:
If flying off a grass field, there will be no problem. If flying off pavement, there COULD be a problem, but generally, Kolb taildraggers are not overly sensitive to toe error.
--------
Jerry King
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=411575#411575
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Brad Nation,
Albuquerque, NM
MK3 Xtra |
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yellowbird1
Joined: 01 Nov 2012
Posts: 88
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| Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 7:59 pm Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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Thanks for all the suggestions and help. I think I figured out the issue with my tail wheel not unlocking as it should. Upon further investigation I realized that the issue was that the spring chain assembly that connects the connection bar to the ruder wasn’t allowing the wheel to turn enough so that the spring pin could retract. The compression springs were from Aircraft Spruce and were too stiff. I replaced them with heavy duty door springs purchased at the local hardware store.(Thanks Dennis Kerby for the suggestion.) Unfortunately I was unable to do a taxi test due to wind. But I think it will do the trick.
Thanks again,
YellowBird 1
Kolb MK III Xtra
PS: I changed my userid to my Dad’s call sign when he was flying B-57s in Vietnam.
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Brad Nation,
Albuquerque, NM
MK3 Xtra |
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neilsenrm(at)gmail.com
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| Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 6:30 am Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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Brad
I'm not sure I understand what you are saying. If you were having problems getting the tail wheel to unlock then I have a better suggestion. The problem is that the tail wheel doesn't turn enough to unlock. This can be fixed by drilling the tail wheel bellcrank to allow the control chains to be attached closer together to effectively increase the turning ratio between the rudder and the tail wheel. The optional tail wheel has a much longer bellcrank than the stock tail wheel.
The advantage of the compression springs is that they keep the tail wheel from a unexpected unlock in cross winds. The above suggestion on modifying the tail wheel bellcrank allows you to turn by unlocking the tail wheel without having to slam the tail wheel sideways enough to overcome spring tension for a tail wheel unlock. This also reduces the ground handling sideloading on the tail feathers which has been a problem on older Kolbs.
I did this fix on my MKIIIC years ago and it has worked well.
Rick Neilsen
Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC
On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 10:58 PM, Brad Nation <nationcap(at)comcast.net (nationcap(at)comcast.net)> wrote:
[quote]--> Kolb-List message posted by: Brad Nation <nationcap(at)comcast.net (nationcap(at)comcast.net)>
Thanks for all the suggestions and help. I think I figured out the issue with my tail wheel not unlocking as it should. Upon further investigation I realized that the issue was that the spring chain assembly that connects the connection bar to the ruder wasn’t allowing the wheel to turn enough so that the spring pin could retract. The compression springs were from Aircraft Spruce and were too stiff. I replaced them with heavy duty door springs purchased at the local hardware store.(Thanks Dennis Kerby for the suggestion.) Unfortunately I was unable to do a taxi test due to wind. But I think it will do the trick.
Thanks again,
YellowBird 1
Kolb MK III Xtra
PS: I changed my userid to my Dad’s call sign when he was flying B-57s in Vietnam.
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zeprep251(at)aol.com
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| Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 4:06 pm Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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You might have some difficulty drilling that part because it has been hardened to reduce wear at the keyway.ate up some good drill bits
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 12, 2013, at 9:30 AM, Rick Neilsen <neilsenrm(at)gmail.com (neilsenrm(at)gmail.com)> wrote:
[quote]Brad
I'm not sure I understand what you are saying. If you were having problems getting the tail wheel to unlock then I have a better suggestion. The problem is that the tail wheel doesn't turn enough to unlock. This can be fixed by drilling the tail wheel bellcrank to allow the control chains to be attached closer together to effectively increase the turning ratio between the rudder and the tail wheel. The optional tail wheel has a much longer bellcrank than the stock tail wheel.
The advantage of the compression springs is that they keep the tail wheel from a unexpected unlock in cross winds. The above suggestion on modifying the tail wheel bellcrank allows you to turn by unlocking the tail wheel without having to slam the tail wheel sideways enough to overcome spring tension for a tail wheel unlock. This also reduces the ground handling sideloading on the tail feathers which has been a problem on older Kolbs.
I did this fix on my MKIIIC years ago and it has worked well.
Rick Neilsen
Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC
On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 10:58 PM, Brad Nation <nationcap(at)comcast.net (nationcap(at)comcast.net)> wrote:
| Quote: | --> Kolb-List message posted by: Brad Nation <nationcap(at)comcast.net (nationcap(at)comcast.net)>
Thanks for all the suggestions and help. I think I figured out the issue with my tail wheel not unlocking as it should. Upon further investigation I realized that the issue was that the spring chain assembly that connects the connection bar to the ruder wasn’t allowing the wheel to turn enough so that the spring pin could retract. The compression springs were from Aircraft Spruce and were too stiff. I replaced them with heavy duty door springs purchased at the local hardware store.(Thanks Dennis Kerby for the suggestion.) Unfortunately I was unable to do a taxi test due to wind. But I think it will do the trick.
Thanks again,
YellowBird 1
Kolb MK III Xtra
PS: I changed my userid to my Dad’s call sign when he was flying B-57s in Vietnam.
===========
="_blank">www.aeroelectric.com
ooks.com" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com
et="_blank">www.homebuilthelp.com
et="_blank">www.mypilotstore.com
"_blank">www.mrrace.com
="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution
le, List Admin.
===========
arget="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List
===========
http://forums.matronics.com
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neilsenrm(at)gmail.com
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| Posted: Wed Nov 13, 2013 7:29 am Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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Gary/All
Yes the bellcrank is hardened. I found a drill bit for hardened steel at Production Tool that drilled it with no problems.
Rick Neilsen
Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC
On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 7:06 PM, Gary Aman <zeprep251(at)aol.com (zeprep251(at)aol.com)> wrote:
[quote] You might have some difficulty drilling that part because it has been hardened to reduce wear at the keyway.ate up some good drill bits
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 12, 2013, at 9:30 AM, Rick Neilsen <neilsenrm(at)gmail.com (neilsenrm(at)gmail.com)> wrote:
| Quote: | Brad
I'm not sure I understand what you are saying. If you were having problems getting the tail wheel to unlock then I have a better suggestion. The problem is that the tail wheel doesn't turn enough to unlock. This can be fixed by drilling the tail wheel bellcrank to allow the control chains to be attached closer together to effectively increase the turning ratio between the rudder and the tail wheel. The optional tail wheel has a much longer bellcrank than the stock tail wheel.
The advantage of the compression springs is that they keep the tail wheel from a unexpected unlock in cross winds. The above suggestion on modifying the tail wheel bellcrank allows you to turn by unlocking the tail wheel without having to slam the tail wheel sideways enough to overcome spring tension for a tail wheel unlock. This also reduces the ground handling sideloading on the tail feathers which has been a problem on older Kolbs.
I did this fix on my MKIIIC years ago and it has worked well.
Rick Neilsen
Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC
On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 10:58 PM, Brad Nation <nationcap(at)comcast.net (nationcap(at)comcast.net)> wrote:
|
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_blank">www.aeroelectric.com
.com" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com
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_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution
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james.vanlaak(at)gmail.co
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| Posted: Wed Nov 13, 2013 8:16 am Post subject: Xtra Steering Problems |
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I made an extension for the steering arm on the bottom of the rudder. That
let me drill several holes to vary the ratio till I found what I wanted.
Much easier to do and to adjust as you like.
On Wed, Nov 13, 2013 at 10:29 AM, Rick Neilsen <neilsenrm(at)gmail.com> wrote:
[quote] Gary/All
Yes the bellcrank is hardened. I found a drill bit for hardened steel at
Production Tool that drilled it with no problems.
Rick Neilsen
Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC
On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 7:06 PM, Gary Aman <zeprep251(at)aol.com> wrote:
> You might have some difficulty drilling that part because it has been
> hardened to reduce wear at the keyway.ate up some good drill bits
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Nov 12, 2013, at 9:30 AM, Rick Neilsen <neilsenrm(at)gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Brad
>
> I'm not sure I understand what you are saying. If you were having
> problems getting the tail wheel to unlock then I have a better suggestion.
> The problem is that the tail wheel doesn't turn enough to unlock. This can
> be fixed by drilling the tail wheel bellcrank to allow the control chains
> to be attached closer together to effectively increase the turning ratio
> between the rudder and the tail wheel. The optional tail wheel has a much
> longer bellcrank than the stock tail wheel.
>
> The advantage of the compression springs is that they keep the tail wheel
> from a unexpected unlock in cross winds. The above suggestion on modifying
> the tail wheel bellcrank allows you to turn by unlocking the tail wheel
> without having to slam the tail wheel sideways enough to overcome spring
> tension for a tail wheel unlock. This also reduces the ground handling
> sideloading on the tail feathers which has been a problem on older Kolbs
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