Winching M20J by the tail

[Jeev]

Hey all - So after getting new paint I finally broke down and rented a hangar.  It has a raised concrete floor and will be difficult to push it back in solo.  Many people in the hangars around me use a winch to pull their planes in by the tail.  My J has the stock tail tie down.  What do you think?  Potential for damage?

Thanks,

SP

[laytonl]

The Mooney Service manual says to not use the tiedown ring to hold the tail down while jacking the aircraft (even though a lot of us do this), so pulling on the tiedown ring may not be a good idea either.

Lee

[carusoam]

Jeev,

Some things to consider....

At a minimum,  make sure the proper hardware is firmly seated all the way up into the receiving threaded holes.

The tie down is strong enough to hold the tail down through strong winds, mildly pulling a plane by it should be OK.  I would be more concerned with an accident while pulling on the tail, what will cause the damage.

The tie down is designed for stresses up and down, both as a tie-down and as a tail skid.  Pulling on it laterally is probably not it's primary function.  This goes back to the question of weighing down the tail during annuals.  The tie down is strong, but the sheet metal that it is mounted to is next in line to receive the stress.

It is still a better idea to use a tug on the landing gear.

Best regards,

-a-

[KSMooniac]

Powertow

[David Mazer]

I did my transition training in a 201 based at a grass strip.  The owner/instructor used a winch to pull his 201 back into the hangar from the grass with no problem.  I then used a winch for my Rocket for a number of years and also had no problem.

[KSMooniac]

If you are determined to use a winch, you should make a rig to connect to the nose gear truss IMO, and not the tail.

[PTK]

I wouldn't winch from the tail or anywhere else as I will never push or pull from the prop. It seems natural and easy to push or pull on that prop. I got in an argument one time with an airport person who insisted it was safe to push on the prop because he was too lazy to bring over the tug. 

[N601RX]

Quote: allsmiles

I wouldn't winch from the tail or anywhere else as I will never push or pull from the prop. It seems natural and easy to push or pull on that prop. I got in an argument one time with an airport person who insisted it was safe to push on the prop because he was too lazy to bring over the tug. 

[David Mazer]

Okay.  So everyone has expressed an opinion but does anyone have any evidence of actual damage?  I winched my plane for several years, the CFI for many years and never a problem at annual or any other inspection.

[PTK]

Quote: N601RX

 So what's the difference in hooking a tug to the front wheel and pushing it vs hooking a small winch to the front wheel and pulling it?

[bnicolette]

Hey SP,

Have you considred using a tractor and a tow bar?  A very cheap and useful solution.  I have less than $400 into my setup and it works great.  Not only that but the kids love riding it around when I drag them to the airport.

 

[jetdriven]

That prop pulls your airplane with 600 LBS of static thrust and pulls your airplane through the air at 160 knots. It will also do so for 2,000 hours.    Just be careful with the spinner

Quote: allsmiles

I wouldn't winch from the tail or anywhere else as I will never push or pull from the prop. It seems natural and easy to push or pull on that prop. I got in an argument one time with an airport person who insisted it was safe to push on the prop because he was too lazy to bring over the tug. 

[jetdriven]

be very careful with tractor and towbar.  You cannot feel the 15 degree limits being exceeded but your wallet will at the next annual inspection!

[bnicolette]

Quote: jetdriven

be very careful with tractor and towbar.  You cannot feel the 15 degree limits being exceeded but your wallet will at the next annual inspection!

[mike28w]

  I bought a remote control ATV winch , rated for 3000#.    Bought ~ 30 foot of heavy rope and attached each end to the main gear with a large carabiner ( I think).....   attached winch to middle of rope.   Operated remote control while standing at front of airplane and using towbar to steer and help push.  

Never saw a problem with this , YMMV , of course   mike