Alternative Tail Wheel Lock Lever?

[Clark in AZ]

Anyone using the manual trim lever for the Pekola tail wheel lock? If so, how did you get it to stay in the unlocked position? I'm trying to figure out a way to lock it in the open position.

Clark

[stede52]

I would contact Jim and see if he has any ideas for you if you really want to go that route, why not use Jims locking lever? it works

[mac]

The Pekola tail wheel lock works quite well. Very pleased. To release after landing you occasionally have to move the rudder back and forth a bit, but hardly a problem.

[danerazz]

While I do not have this tailwheel, and it looks like the included latch would work quite well, I am not inclined to question why you want to do it differently (I would be a huge hypocrite).

So, after looking at the design requirements to use the trim lever, as long as you added a positive stop on the lever for the unlock position, and attached the cable in a way that it would create an over-center position to hold it in the desired condition, you should easily be able to make it work.

[Clark in AZ]

Ok, thanks for the responses. I've seen others to what I'm asking but of course can't find the threads.

I originally had the lever in the standard place by the fuel selector. I was told during an inspection of my airplane that I should move the lever to a different location. The reason was that it was unsafe, in an emergency situation you would have to pass your hand over the tail wheel lock to get to the fuel valve. I didn't argue and I'm sure it's not a problem but I decided to move it to the manual trim lever since I have gone to electric trim. There isn't an elegant way to use the lever provided in this location so I have to come up with my own locking system.

Thanks,
Clark

[BDA]

Hahaha

Thought that said Tail Hook at first!
(No glasses)

[danerazz]

Simple 90deg arm at bottom of lever, creates an over center position. Push lever forward to unlock, pull aft and it goes over-center and then shortens up to allow TW to lock. From what it looks like you only need about 1/2”-3/4” travel, set the geometry up so it is “just” over center when lever is all the way forward and most of the travel aft will be slack to allow TW to lock. At most you need to make a small tab that is bolted/riveted to the lever and a cable fitting appropriate to attach the cable and allow some swivel.

[Clark in AZ]

Sorry, I forgot to credit the above picture to gkremers. It is a pic of his TW lock lever. I've sent him a PM to see about his setup.

Thanks,
Clark

[BDA]

Now I have to add a Tail Hook lever

[Clark in AZ]

Now I have to add a Tail Hook lever

Would that be illegal at STOL Drags?

[danerazz]

Only if you catch a wire!