spring gear needed

[Ron Shannon]

I managed to ground loop my new Rebel on Friday and really need a spring
gear leg. Only need one, but will buy two, or even a whole spring gear
option kit, if available and/or seller prefers.

I won't get into specifics of how it happened. Strictly pilot stupidity --
no fault of the plane, which is a tough bird and much better designed (and
constructed!) than my brain. The story would probably cause anyone and
everyone to say, "I would never do that" or "That would never happen to me,"
-- which are dangerous things to think, ever and always -- so I'll spare the
details. Obviously, except for near terminal embarrassment and some lesser
degree of heartbreak, both fixable, I'm fine and know I'm not the first and
won't be the last to loop a taildragger.

The gear leg took the side load and bent a bit, as it's supposed to I guess.
The floor and FUS-5(?) appear to be just fine, thanks to extra strengthening
in the area by Jim years ago. I can jack the leg(s) OK, but would appreciate
any suggestions on supporting the fuse while the leg and original bolts are
swapped out. Other damage was minor and readily repairable, but the plane is
a few hours away so it will be a major hassle and probably a month or two
before I'm flying again -- if I can find a replacement spring gear leg.

If anybody has or knows of a spring gear leg (or two) that might be
available, please contact me direct at rshannon@cruzcom.com ASAP. I have
already written to MAM too, of course.

Ron




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[Ron Shannon]

About two hours ago I flew 254R home from Arlington on her new gear, wheels,
brakes, etc. I had planned to do some practice landings at one of the nearby
airports with larger runways, but it turned out our little 24 ft. wide strip
had the best wind angle of the bunch so, after going around twice (landing
west, we have a challenging approach profile over some trees) I put it down
here at home. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous.

Thanks are due to many, but a very special thank you goes to Dick Van Der
Weken, whose Rebel amphib is based at Arlington. Dick spent the better part
of two sweltering days helping to swap out the gear legs. The hangar was a
sauna, and we both lost a little weight.

It's good to have the plane repaired good as new and back home, and I'm
looking forward to resuming where I left off -- getting to know the plane
better.

Ron
N254MR




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