So my buddy asked me a question I can't answer - I hope someone here can!

His question was:

Why use chain for tailwheel steering, why not a cable or something? The chain always ends up rusted and worn through, and looks 'agricultural'.

The best I could do was "it's easy to replace, and cheap".

Very easy to adjust the length by removing or adding links.

I expect the answer lies in the fact that most tailwheels steered by chains come from circa '30's / 40's airplanes.. cheap and easy...

C180/185 series are in fact steered by cables, as are most larger airplanes.

Having said all that, it is my opinion that a cub sized airplane used in the sticks does nicest with the ears cut off the steering head and the tailwheel run free castering...


take care, Rob