G2Gorder wrote:….The tailwheel does automatically “lock” without the locking handle, but if you swing the tail around, the tailwheel breaks out of the limited-range locking position and is free-castoring for the remainder of the range of motion. When the tail wheel gets back in the range (about 15 degrees?), the “locking” mechanism kicks in again.

Not a "lock", that's a detent.

G2Gorder wrote:The tail wheel does automatically “lock” without the locking handle

There is supposed to be a spring that keeps the bell crank away from the TW head so it doesn't lock. If you are not going to run the lock, I suggest you just remove the bell crank and put a smaller bolt in the TW head. You don't want that to lock inadvertently. You can see a pic of how it all works in the IPC.

hotrod180 wrote:

G2Gorder wrote:….The tailwheel does automatically “lock” without the locking handle, but if you swing the tail around, the tailwheel breaks out of the limited-range locking position and is free-castoring for the remainder of the range of motion. When the tail wheel gets back in the range (about 15 degrees?), the “locking” mechanism kicks in again.

Not a "lock", that's a detent.

Yes. That’s a steering detent. The lock being discussed here is a separate, mechanical lock, which when engaged by the pilot with a control in the cockpit, limits tailwheel movement to + or - 2.5 degrees, if my foggy recesses haven’t failed me.

MTV

Scroll down for diagrams of locking system in this link:
https://www.thelandinggearworks.com/tailwheel-lock-information/

If retrofitting a manual control for locking tailwheel then log onto https://support.cessna.com and download the instructions for Accessory Kit AK185-28 ($19.30 list price back in 1963) from the propeller-model library. Parts prices have increased....

Cessna Service Letter 63-28 dated 5 July 1963 describes tail wheel improvements, including locking. And "News to me", there used to be a tail wheel lock interconnected with the elevator system (!):


pat
.

All this still begs the question, why would you NOT want it? A huge problem with TW aircraft is keeping it pointed straight. Why give up a tool that helps you do that?

Those of you that don't, drop me a line and maybe we can make a deal on your parts.

AEROPOD wrote:All this still begs the question, why would you NOT want it? A huge problem with TW aircraft is keeping it pointed straight. Why give up a tool that helps you do that?

Those of you that don't, drop me a line and maybe we can make a deal on your parts.

Aeropod,

Apparently, the feeling that we need tailwheel locks isn't universal. Note that most if not all aftermarket tailwheels come without the feature. Go figure.

MTV

As a perpetual noob, perhaps you guys could give me a primer on the tailwheel lock. I've never flown an aircraft heavy or powerful enough to warrant one.

Do you use it only for takeoff? Or landing too?

Is its purpose just to prevent that hard left turning tendency when you initially come up on the power and the tailwheel is in contact with the surface?

My only experience with a tailwheel lock is on Ag Cat’s that I’ll fly helping another operator, it pretty well cut out the shimmy with that tailwheel. If it was unlocked, it had a bad shimmy over 15-20 mph. Other than that, I wasn’t particularly fond of the setup.

My Cat has a “anti-shimmy” tailwheel, it has a different castor angle than stock that cuts out most of the shimmy. It’s free castoring and I have no problems with directional control. We work off some pretty rough and narrow strips, one being an old railroad bed where you dance around potholes, and would rather not fight a lock on take-off.

chz wrote:As a perpetual noob, perhaps you guys could give me a primer on the tailwheel lock. I've never flown an aircraft heavy or powerful enough to warrant one.

Do you use it only for takeoff? Or landing too?

Is its purpose just to prevent that hard left turning tendency when you initially come up on the power and the tailwheel is in contact with the surface?

Zane,

Can be used on either or both landings and takeoffs. Crosswind Landing? Lock the tailwheel and let the lock help keep it straight after touchdown. They do help prevent shimmy as Centerhill noted, but frankly, if you have a tailwheel that shimmies, you need to address the issue, which generally has to do with the geometry of the tailwheel angle.

For takeoffs in crosswind, or big torque, they also may help, but most 185s dont generate that much left turning tendency in my experience.

The WW II P-51 Mustang had an "automatic" lock, controlled by the fore and aft movement of the control stick. Pull aft on the control stick, and the tailwheel is locked. Push forward on the stick, and the lock released. Pretty neat concept, but lots of moving parts, I'd imagine, for a little airplane......and one without a Merlin.

MTV

mtv wrote:The WW II P-51 Mustang had an "automatic" lock, controlled by the fore and aft movement of the control stick. Pull aft on the control stick, and the tailwheel is locked. Push forward on the stick, and the lock released. Pretty neat concept, but lots of moving parts, I'd imagine, for a little airplane......and one without a Merlin.

That’s what those Cat’s had. It was a strange dance when fighting gusting crosswinds. I know the Air Tractors have a separate lever controlling the lock, that would be easier to handle.

Cat’s are just easy to handle though. I had never flown any taildragger bigger than a J3 when I first hopped in one. I can see where the lock would be essential on a longer plane trying to switch ends on a downwind landing.

Actually, I think the Mustangs tailwheel was steerable with the stick back, and catering with the stick forward. Moving the stick aft “locked” the tailwheel to the rudder for steering.

MTV

mtv wrote:
Aeropod,

Apparently, the feeling that we need tailwheel locks isn't universal. Note that most if not all aftermarket tailwheels come without the feature. Go figure.

MTV

I don't NEED a PPonk gear beef up or a shoulder harness until I really NEED it.

mtv wrote:….Apparently, the feeling that we need tailwheel locks isn't universal. Note that most if not all aftermarket tailwheels come without the feature. Go figure. MTV

Reminds me of when I read through a thread somewhere (here or the SC site) about "must have mods".
Personally I would have put most of them in the "nice to have" category,
but different strokes for different folks I guess.

AEROPOD wrote:

mtv wrote:
Aeropod,

Apparently, the feeling that we need tailwheel locks isn't universal. Note that most if not all aftermarket tailwheels come without the feature. Go figure.

MTV

I don't NEED a PPonk gear beef up or a shoulder harness until I really NEED it.

My point was that you can’t buy a new tailwheel for a 185 with lock in the aftermarket, near as I can tell. Maybe Cessna would sell you one, bring lots of $$$$. But Cessna doesn’t make tailwheel.

So, if a tailwheel lock on a 185 is such an important safety device, why doesn’t Airframes Alaska sell one? Walk around parking at Lake Hood or Merril Field and tell me how many tailwheel locks you see on 185s.

Apparently, your view isn’t widel shared.

So, hang onto that locking tailwheel.....

MTV

mtv wrote:
Note that most if not all aftermarket tailwheels come without the feature.

My point was that you can’t buy a new tailwheel for a 185 with lock in the aftermarket, near as I can tell.

So, if a tailwheel lock on a 185 is such an important safety device, why doesn’t Airframes Alaska sell one?

MTV

Actually the ABW baby bush can be locked as well as the TLGW 14" tailwheel.

AEROPOD wrote:..Actually the ABW baby bush can be locked as well as the TLGW 14" tailwheel.

I have a XP Mods (predecessor to LGW) tailwheel,
the fork is set up for a lock.
But checking the LGW website, it doesn't appear that they sell the lock mechanism,
don't think Airframes does either.
So if you wanted to set up a locking t/w from scratch, whether for a cessna maule or whatever,
you'd have to dig up your parts elsewhere.

Pretty sure you can machine any of these new tailwheels to accommodate the lock. I put a 10" ABW on and I am trying to figure out how to transfer the locking mechanism over from the old tailwheel; for now the handle and wires are just tied off with safety wire. I don't know if I am just drilling a hole for the pin or what.