I picked up a 185 tailwheel and was going to put it on my 180. My 180 has a 7/8" tail spring now, and the new tailwheel was off an 1 1/8" spring. AKBW sells a bushing for 7/8" - 1 1/8"... My IA refuses to let me put the tailwheel on the plane using a bushing because it came off a newer 185.. yet he has no issues putting the 185 main gear on the plane. Is he right, or is it kosher to use the bushing and put the tailwheel on the plane. FWIW, my 180 is a 63 and the tailwheel came off a 76.

What approval did he use for the C185 MLG installation?

thats the kicker... he dont seem to care about it LOL All good with just bolting on the MLG.

akavidflyer wrote:thats the kicker... he dont seem to care about it LOL All good with just bolting on the MLG.

It seems like he signed a "minor" alteration off. MLG type exchanges are normally major alterations from what I understand unless manufacturer has x-reference part numbers, STC, 337 and/or field approval etc.. I would be curious to see the log entry on the MLG. It may help justify a similar alteration you are requesting for the TWLG, especially if your bird has the C185 MLG.

Sounds like new IA time. I understand going by the book, but either it's ALL the letter of the law or whats the point of splitting hairs? Now if it's not a 135 bird and it's safe, your call? As Sgt. Shultze says, " I see Nuthing! I know Nuthing!

OK,let me supply a little information before we suggest a new IA. All post 1963 180's (180G and newer) and earlier 180's with to quote the parts manual "heavy duty gear" and all 185's use the same part number gear. 0741001-5 or when exhausted use 0741001-7 for the left and 0741001-6 or when exhausted use 0741001-8 for the right, I believe the difference between the -5 and -7, and the -6 and -8 is the -7 and -8 lack the dimple for the brake line clip. The "185" gear was installed as a minor alteration as it is a stock part for your 1963 180. Now my opinion as a IA regarding the bushing is the same as your IA, it is a major alteration unless your tailwheel is a Alaska Bushwheel tailwheel. AWB has approval to use the bushing with their tailwheel, That approval does not apply to the Scott or McCauley tailwheel unless they have that approval. You may want to check. I hope this helps.

Tim