Tailwheel steering

[seastar]

I have only managed to get about 4 hours in my new airplane.
It seems like we have had IFR conditions almost every day since it arrived. Bummer!
I have noticed that the tailwheel steering on the ground is very "mushey" or "soft".
Sharp turns require hard braking.
After discussing this characteristic with two friends who own Cub's and have looked at my airplane, they think the problem is the extension springs used in the tailwheel assembly.
They are both urging me to switch the springs to compression style springs.
Am I the only one who thinks the steering is soft?
I wonder why the factory chose extension springs?
What's the downside to compression springs?
Are compression springs available from the factory?
I am sure there are reasons I don't understand but would like to be educated.
Bill

[turbopilot]

I have only managed to get about 4 hours in my new airplane.
It seems like we have had IFR conditions almost every day since it arrived. Bummer!
I have noticed that the tailwheel steering on the ground is very "mushey" or "soft".
Sharp turns require hard braking.
After discussing this characteristic with two friends who own Cub's and have looked at my airplane, they think the problem is the extension springs used in the tailwheel assembly.
They are both urging me to switch the springs to compression style springs.
Am I the only one who thinks the steering is soft?
I wonder why the factory chose extension springs?
What's the downside to compression springs?
Are compression springs available from the factory?
I am sure there are reasons I don't understand but would like to be educated.
Bill

My airplane was hard to turn on the ground when it first arrived. Ben Hodges at California Cubs worked on it and as I recall added an extra link in the chain on both sides. It turns much better but still difficult to brake the tail wheel over for a sharp turn. I am sure Ben will be along with some thoughts.

[seastar]

Turbo
Thanks for the input. I'm glad I'm not alone.
Seems to me that adding a chain link would make the steering worse (softer)??
Maybe he removed a link to add some extra tension to the system.

Randy
Ben
Do you have any comments or ideas???
Bill

[Becky Teerink]

Turbo
Thanks for the input. I'm glad I'm not alone.
Seems to me that adding a chain link would make the steering worse (softer)??
Maybe he removed a link to add some extra tension to the system.

Randy
Ben
Do you have any comments or ideas???
Bill

Hi Bill,
I understand that the steering on your aircraft feels less responsive than you would like. One would think that increasing the tension on the springs would give you more response in steering. However, when you increase the tension on the springs you increase the friction as both springs are pulling the assembly forward. That creates friction on the pivot point, which was not meant to take that load. This actually puts more friction in the system, and will make the steering less responsive.
I will send you some chain links so that you can add a link and see if that helps. Thanks Bill! Becky

P.S. Also, I called Alaskan Bushwheel and they said to call and talk to Steve - phone # is 800-442-8473.

[Californiacubs]

Page 9 of this article states owner maintenance is authorized on an ELSA

http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/regulatory/sport_rule.pdf

[Becky Teerink]

Page 9 of this article states owner maintenance is authorized on an ELSA

http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/regulatory/sport_rule.pdf

Hm, I'll have to look into that further! Thanks!

[turbopilot]

Hm, I'll have to look into that further! Thanks!

For others following along.

[Californiacubs]

don't know the exact regs but these guys say you can... "Trust but verify"

http://www.lightsportaviationservice...ex.php?req=mai

http://www.eaa186.org/Jan09mtg.pdf

http://www.iflyamerica.org/maintenan...dification.asp

[Californiacubs]

Add a link it will help also you will learn to use the brakes to assist. Becky will be able to chime in and tell use if you have 5 or 3 tension springs. The tail wheel comes with 5 springs which makes it way too stiff. I know CC has started to remove the 2 extra tension springs at the factory. The tailwheel is built for a heavier airplane so it takes a little bit of loosening to get it right.

[greg]

Where are these 5 springs located that you are referring to? My ss Cub has only 1 spring on each side conecting the rudder's steering arm to the tailwheel.

Thanks, Greg

Add a link it will help also you will learn to use the brakes to assist. Becky will be able to chime in and tell use if you have 5 or 3 tension springs. The tail wheel comes with 5 springs which makes it way too stiff. I know CC has started to remove the 2 extra tension springs at the factory. The tailwheel is built for a heavier airplane so it takes a little bit of loosening to get it right.