There was some discussion awhile back regarding the rudder steering arm and API tailwheel. The stock API tailwheel has about 20 degrees of rotation before the breakout mechanism allows the tailwheel to freely caster.
One of the solutions to prevent unwanted caster is to make the rudder steering arms shorter than the API tailwheel steering arms. However, this doesn't always work.
A second solution is to modify the API tailwheel fitting itself. I did this and also reduced the rudder steering arms on my Pitts so I can obtain full rudder deflection without the tailwheel breakout mechanism engaging.
The attached images explain it better than words, but essentially one needs to remove some material from the fitting to delay engagement of the breakout mechanism.
The tail wheel fitting mechanism recess was 5/8 in. dia., so I used a 5/8in. dia endmill to enlarge the recess.
Attached are some images of my approach and also an explanation of the mechanism that was written by a fellow Pitts guy and API tailwheel owner.
One of the solutions to prevent unwanted caster is to make the rudder steering arms shorter than the API tailwheel steering arms. However, this doesn't always work.
A second solution is to modify the API tailwheel fitting itself. I did this and also reduced the rudder steering arms on my Pitts so I can obtain full rudder deflection without the tailwheel breakout mechanism engaging.
The attached images explain it better than words, but essentially one needs to remove some material from the fitting to delay engagement of the breakout mechanism.
The tail wheel fitting mechanism recess was 5/8 in. dia., so I used a 5/8in. dia endmill to enlarge the recess.
Attached are some images of my approach and also an explanation of the mechanism that was written by a fellow Pitts guy and API tailwheel owner.
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