Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Hi All
This is a request for some historical information
I would like to fit the Trusty tailwheel spring but being in the UK can't do this without a mod approval from the LAA
There are two ways to get approval
engineering analysis
service history
I hope service history will suffice since I think this modification has sufficient track record. (There are also service issues arising with the original design which will help I think)
So some questions if you can bear with me
When were the drawings actually issued and by who?
Did John Thorp have any role in this or issue any approval or statement
Were the drawings issued at the same time as the S18 or before or after?
Approx how many of the fleet have this mod
Lastly what would be really helpfull is actual examples ie N4376 fitted 6 years and 500 hours ago no problems and a picture. (I do have some pictures from newsletters and the files)
As ever any help will be gratefully received. I have trawled the newsletters and archives but really need the case histories.

Many thanks

Dave

I now have 766 hours in service time on my Trusty tail spring set-up. This is over an eight and a half year time period. This would amount to over 900 landings on all types of surfaces. I have had no service issues other than routine tail wheel tyre replacement. Hope this helps.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

The Trusty rod tail spring design was released 5/28/85. I doubt that John Thorp had any involvement in this design. Lyle Trusty is a professional within the aerospace industry. You should be able to obtain a set of drawings from CSA as Lyle has turned over his numerous design mods for the T and S-18 to Mike Archer. I have no idea what the % is of Thorps who have this mod. Over the last 6 years I have done 3 runs of 10 "kits" which are all now on flying Thorps. Incidentally, a number of this kits have been sent to Australia.

_________________
Tom Hunter
805-202-4261

After aquiring N886Y in March of 2006, I installed the Trusty tailspring, ran a new weight and balance and noticed no change and and flew approximately 400 hours and 400 landings with no troubles.

_________________
Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)

Thank you thats all good stuff

David

Have there been any drawings or specs released for the Trusty tailspring?? I would like to build the parts.

I saw a drawing that detailed the spring and hardware a few years ago, don't know where they came from though.

*** admin posted for William Williams ***

_________________
Forum Administrator

I have that drawing somewhere around here. It will take some time to dig it up though.

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Lee,
I could still use the Trusty drawing and specs. If you find them, could you post them?

Thanks,
Bob MO

Sorry Bob,
I get too many things in the queue and some spill out. I'll dig around for it tonight.

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Here you go Bob.

[file]trusty_tail_spring_text.pdf,2,,[/file]

[file]trusty_tail_spring_drawings.pdf,2,,[/file]

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Thanks, Lee. I didn't realize Lyle was selling plans.

Thanks,
BobMO

No problem Bob, not sure if he still does but as indicated in the text, we should all use those for reference only. The drawings are serial numbered.

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Dear Group.

I have on hand one rod sping: this is to the Trusty blue print.

I do not think I will be ordering any more of these springs, since the minimum order is 10 springs.

At the recent Thorp gathering in Visalia, most of the T-18's there (as well as S-18's) had the Trusty designed rod spring. If you are flying the old leaf spring...or the original solid aluminum spring, the upgrade is very beneficial...as any number of owners can testify.

The rod spring has less drag than the leaf spring and offers improvement in ground handling and landing. And the Aviation Products tail wheel is a better tail wheel than the Maule.

When you add the rod spring and Aviation products mod, this opens up the door for another nice addition ....a tail wheel pant.

Image Insert:


Put File Caption Here

_________________
Tom Hunter
805-202-4261

All that Tom says is true. Don't buy a Star Bucks for a month and get this last tail rod. A very good investment. You will kick youself in the Arse if you don't get it. Tom's fiberglass products are top shelf also !

RB