Backcountry Pilot • Groundloop-Resistant Tailwheel?

Groundloop-Resistant Tailwheel?

A general forum for anything related to flying the backcountry. Please check first if your new topic fits better into a more specific forum before posting.
4 postsPage 1 of 1

Groundloop-Resistant Tailwheel?

Berringer, which produces wheels and brakes, including an anti-lock system for Cirrus aircraft, is currently acquiring worldwide patents for a new tailwheel that the company believes could greatly reduce the possibility of ground-loops in taildragger aircraft. The system is built as a drop-in replacement for Scott tailwheels, which it matches in weight and attachment configuration. Where the Berringer differs is in its use of two pivot points. With the tailwheel "locked" (fixed with springs, but steerable within limits), the system provides a pivot point that is in-line with the wheel's axle. Because there is no caster in that configuration, side loads do not translate into forces that would cause the tailwheel to turn, says Berringer. So, when locked, the tailwheel should track straight in any side load condition that does not cause the tire to skid. But the same tailwheel also has a castering feature, and that's where the patent comes into play.


http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Berringer-Ground-Loop-Resistant-Tailwheel220373-1.html


Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I think I'll just stick to using the rudder pedals (and silent prayer in gusty cross winds [-o<).
RanchPilot offline
User avatar
Posts: 974
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2011 5:18 pm
Location: Wyoming
Experience is the knowledge that enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

RanchPilot Facebook Community: http://www.facebook.com/ranchpilot777

Re: Groundloop-Resistant Tailwheel?

I'm with you. But if it gives any of the manufacturers more courage to keep on developing more conventional-geared aircraft, then I welcome that.
denalipilot offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 2789
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2007 4:53 pm
Location: Denali
Aircraft: C-170B+

Re: Groundloop-Resistant Tailwheel?

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Image
Battson offline
Knowledge Base Author
User avatar
Posts: 1810
Joined: Wed May 09, 2012 11:19 pm
Location: New Zealand
Aircraft: Bearhawk 4-place
IO-540 260hp

Re: Groundloop-Resistant Tailwheel?

I always thought the ground loop resistant tailwheel was called a nose wheel - boy do I feel silly.
Barnstormer offline
Posts: 2700
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2012 7:42 am
Location: Alaska
Aircraft: C185

DISPLAY OPTIONS

4 postsPage 1 of 1

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 11 guests

Latest Features

Latest Knowledge Base