Sorry, I had to resend this because of (my ?) error in the address. I
will take the opportunity to add something. After all my hours, I was
shown something I never knew, when handpushing the aircraft back, grab
the rudder (easy to do on the Rebel) and push it so that the tailwheel
unlocks. It takes more strain off the tail area. It works for any
taildragger with lockable tailwheel. On the Warp Drive prop, each time I
see those emails, I rush over with my magnifying glass and have a look
at my 3-bladed 72" prop. No sign of cracks on the Subaru Legacy 2.2
liter engine at only 140 hours. here comes the original message. Geert
----- Original Message -----
From: storchpilot
To: Rebel contact Web server
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 11:16 AM
Subject: tailspring
Hi Rick, I just repaired my whole empennage area for US $ 3500. It had
more cracks, dents and what have you. However this was brought about
because of the original kits came out with that very thin tailcone skin
and never a word from MAM to those first 100 builders. The re-enforcing
is of course a must, but nothing was said about that .025 skin, on the
first group of kits.After all they belong to the "keep at it, you'll
love it, Club". I did go back to the composite material tailwheel arm,
since I was told: "they are still the best, even though you can't buy
them any more" or words to that effect. I hope this is true? In any
case, my empennage and tailcone area will now pass the Russian tank
test. I shudder to think what could have happened if I had had a failure
back there at a critical point on take-off or flight. Another point not
mentioned is to check that your tailwheel (assuming it was modified from
the original factory non-lockable item) WILL UNLOCK obviously this is
done with the tail jacked up. Especially if you have a weak area back
there, it must unlock without any effort. If it does not, it will put a
horrible strain on the tailcone. Parts to overhaul the lockable
tailwheel are easily available and not expensive. Anyway, my 2 cents
worth. Keep smiling, Geert Frank
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