Anybody have any tips on how to get back there in the tailcone ( and back out ) to install one of these things? I"m 6 ft, 200 lbs. Thanks!

Unfortunately you just have to suck it up am shimmy down there. Going in hands up with all the tools you needs helps...

Of course make sure to take your time and measure six times before you cut. If your not perfectly plum inside it can really be seen from outside with the handles out. (Lots of lazy APs have done crappy installs). Also make sure to buck the rivets (the lazy ones use fasteners)

Also, start small when opening the center hole as you can always go bigger.... Also make sure it is big enough. Ive seen holes that seemed just perfect, but you could see deformation in the outer skin when the handle was under load.

Good luck!

Do you think jacking the tail up level, and using some 3/4 in plywood cut to fit into the bottom of the bulkheads would help?

jrc111 wrote:Do you think jacking the tail up level, and using some 3/4 in plywood cut to fit into the bottom of the bulkheads would help?

Thats not needed... The BAS isnt that far back and there is actually a bunch of room to work once your in there. Its just a bit of an inconvenience sliding in and out. There are FAR worse and harder installs on a 180!

I installed my BAS tail pull handles during a TW conversion, so already had the tail up on a sawhorse. I think it made getting in and (especially) out of the aft fuselage much easier. I put down furniture moving pads (Home Depot) to protect the lower skins and help distribute my weight. Also, I passed a shop light and all the necessary tools up through an inspection hole under the empennage, so didn't have to carry them with me while schlepping in and out of the tail. As others have said, measure carefully before cutting and drilling and use rivets rather than fasteners. Otherwise, a fairly easy project.

Make sure you use ear muffs/plugs when bucking the rivets, inside the tail cone bucking is LOUD!

Driver and bucker should practice with a couple of pieces of same gauge aluminum fist if not current. AI or the book will show how to inspect. If not good, drill and redo. If the hole gets bad, drill bigger and go to the next size rivet. Strength is more important than beauty. You guys know this stuff.

If you think it's tight in a 180, try installing one in an omnivision C150!
I'm built "over-square", a lot shorter than you but not a helluva lot less in weight, and I managed to crawl back into my C150D taildragger. So it can be done.

Well, that's encouraging!