Taracka Posted September 3, 2012 Report Posted September 3, 2012 Has anyone had their Mooney nosegear damaged at an FBO by the tug steering the nosegear too sharply? I've heard this can be a problem and was wondering if there are any preventative ideas out there.
jetdriven Posted September 3, 2012 Report Posted September 3, 2012 Its only 15 degrees turn angle allowed. Ours has turn stops on it, but I am unsure where the nose gear on our airplane came from.
David Mazer Posted September 4, 2012 Report Posted September 4, 2012 I had it happen. Had to replace the unit at about $1,000. The new piece is stronger than the original but I'm still careful. The FBO that found it isn't the FBO that did it so I don't know when or where it happened.
N601RX Posted September 4, 2012 Report Posted September 4, 2012 There are 2 options for the turn stops. One is the newer mooney part number truss that includes them and the other one is STC'd by Lasar. The stops are there to remind you not to turn any more and work great if moving by hand. Someone posted a pictue a while back of what a tug will do to the stops. Looked like the tug won. http://www.lasar.com/parts/w/id/4/part_details.asp
Jerry 5TJ Posted September 9, 2012 Report Posted September 9, 2012 At busier FBOs you really can't prohibit towing because they move airplanes around their ramp frequently. I always check the nose gear tubes with my fingertip if the plane may have been towed. It takes only a moment and if you can feel dents you report the damage before you leave, and get it documented. I had this happen at a major nationwide FBO a decade ago, they promplty paid the repair bill. Biggest problem with this inspection is your finger gets oily.
Lowbid Posted September 9, 2012 Report Posted September 9, 2012 Since I've only had my C 6 mos. I am not entirely sure what to look for or what to check for damage... Any pictures?
Jerry 5TJ Posted September 11, 2012 Report Posted September 11, 2012 I can't quickly find an image on the Internet to illustrate the problem area. However, you can find it yourself: Use your towbar to turn the nose wheel to the limit. Where the moving part of the nosewheel structure touches the fixed tube is the problem area. Damage shows up as a dent -- there is a specified max dent permitted, and it is not very deep. Anything more than chipped paint is a worry. From the front of the plane you reach down, put your finger on the back side of the fixed tube and feel for a dent. Check each side.
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