steering chains

[larrym]

I have about 500 tailwheel hrs, but only about a handful of landings on hard surface. I have always liked loose steering springs, and have a fair bit of time with no steering chains. The chains on my Skybolt are somewhat tighter than I had on my Pitts S1, but didn't seem to be much of a problem until I go to hard surface. IDK if it is me, but I find all is well until I get slowed to say about 15mph or so, then I over- control as I am moving my leg to effect the rudder, but the chains are more active now and I get tense moments before slowing enough to have the steering help rather than hinder more. I am considering either go much looser, or take them off all together - or, do I learn to deal with it. I must say, that I am somewhat afraid of tight springs - what happens if one breakes or come off?! I'd rather use differential brakes when it comes time to "steer". Again, hasn't been a problem on grass, only on hard surface , where I am inexperienced....


What do you think......?


larry

[8GCBC]

Larry, may I ask what brand and type of the tailwheel unit you are running?

[larrym]

Just switched from a bad shimmy Scott 3200 to a 6" Aviation Products tailwheel.

[8GCBC]

OK. I am still picking up tips re tailwheel ops. Thx.

[mike mcs repair]

slightly loose is how I rig them...

[larrym]

My over riding question: With good brakes, why even have steering springs? Then my glodhopper legs should be able to work the rudder all it wants/needs without the tailwheel messing me up?

Thanks

[Clay Hammond]

That API tailwheel has a tendency to do that. Its not just you or the specific configuration. Its the standard issue tailwheel on the Sport Cubs from CubCrafters and many in the past have upgraded to the Scott style tailwheel for exactly the reason you speak of.