Tailwheel Spring Clamp Failure

[AirFox]

After landing at a strip in Hells Canyon last weekend I discovered a broken bolt in the tailwheel spring attach bracket. Here is a picture of my Back country fix. First I wrapped the spring bracket with steel wire then as a backup I used parachute cord. The AN3 broke just beyond the grip length in the threads. AN3-12A is the origional bolt length. AN3-13A would be a better solution. Flew home and landed with the tailwheel up.
IMG_0668.jpg

Here is a picture of my Solution thanks to Kitfox Aircraft!
DSC_1537 (Large).jpg

[akarmy]

Does this mean John is ready to start selling the Aluminum leaf and brackets? Previously when I checked it was in development undergoing "testing"

[SkyPirate]

I have the solid leaf system on mine, practicing Stol landings and getting the tail wheel on the ground first, no problems yet but i have not had a sideways tail first landing yet either , i have had some 3 point landings where i was landing short and had to set her down a little rough but still with no issues and i have 6x6 with wheel pants on so not allot of give in the tires like a bushwheel tire

[jdmcbean]

Does this mean John is ready to start selling the Aluminum leaf and brackets? Previously when I checked it was in development undergoing "testing"

Yes.. it is available.. We have not done an official release of the new tail wheel spring and it has been tested on the 5-7 aircraft. While I suspect it will work fine on the IV the angle of the spring may be an issue with some tail wheels. Works great with the 8" pneumatic Maule, ABI-3200, Scott 3200, and Matco's 8" and 10". (most of the testing was with the ABI-3200 and the Matco)
$349.00 for the spring and mounting hardware.
$59.95 for the draw spring, clips and chain.

[Paul Z]

That is a nice looking tail spring, very clean.

[Danh]

I like it, this is real clean

[Flybyjim]

I hope this is in the kits being sent out now

[jrevens]

That's very nice looking! How does it compare in weight? Also, my experience with solid aluminum springs is that they are usually stiffer than steel leafs. Is that the case here?

[Peteohms]

Yes.. it is available.. We have not done an official release of the new tail wheel spring and it has been tested on the 5-7 aircraft. While I suspect it will work fine on the IV the angle of the spring may be an issue with some tail wheels. Works great with the 8" pneumatic Maule, ABI-3200, Scott 3200, and Matco's 8" and 10". (most of the testing was with the ABI-3200 and the Matco)
$349.00 for the spring and mounting hardware.
$59.95 for the draw spring, clips and chain.

John

Will this work on my Kitfox 3 and what is the weight for the kit?

[N213RV]

We made this. I have a couple extra spring thicknesses to clear some mods I made on the rudder. Machined the aluminum block. I didn't like the thin AN3 bolts.....