REFLECTOR: Towing Velocities

[Scott Derrick]

http://tnstaafl.net/canards/tow1.jpgLots of "opinions" about towing. MY 
plane is an RG which makes it a bit easier I think to adapt a towing 
systems, though I'm sure there are ways to attach a tug to yours.

I do have two nub's installed on my fork, attached photos, which allow 
grabbing it with a standard hand tow bar or battery operated one as in 
one of the linked pictures. This was the method I used years ago.

http://tnstaafl.net/canards/fork_attachment.jpg

http://tnstaafl.net/canards/tow1.jpg

I now use a gas powered tug, both pushing and pulling. The tug is setup 
to move a C310 and two C210s around.  So I made an adapter that fits 
over the fork legs so I can use this tug without fiddling with the 
attachment arms on the tug.  I don't have any pictures of this setup.

We have a 1.5 inch high floor door rail I have to get over going in or 
out of the hanger and you have to have the plane moving pretty fast to 
get over it.  I "have" to back my plane out of the hanger or move a C210 
in and out before me. There is no danger what so ever of my plane 
tipping over backwards with the tug attached, in fact I use the tug as a 
tipping preventer by connecting it to the nose fork.

Scott

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Towing Velocities
From: Mark Magee <edjonesbrady at gmail.com>
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>
Date: 04/17/2013 06:14 AM

> I thing 'pulling' only with a mechanical tow should be safe. Correct?
> I have seen multiple Long EZ's tip over backward when improperly ground handled...
>
> Mark B. Magee
> Sent from IPhone 4S
> 1COR 16:13-14
>
> On Apr 17, 2013, at 6:21 AM, Scott Baker <scottb33333 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Mechanical tugs and Velocity aircraft don't mix too well because of the light weight on the nose gear.
>> More than one Velocity has been tipped back on its prop and wing tips while being pushed by a mechanical tug.
>> The potential for an accident of this sort is strong enough that a warning placard "NO TUG" on the nose strut is suggested to warn the unwary.
>> And, whenever I park at a larger FBO, I always talk with line service to warn them not to use mechanical tugs.
>> All of this being said, some builders have come up with creative ways to attach a tow bar to the nose casting.  Be careful when drilling into the fork.  Doing so can easily weaken the casting.
>> My personal experience with tow bars is that they work great when pulling the aircraft in forward direction - and do a lousy and awkward job when pushing the aircraft.
>> If you have the physical strength, the best way to move the aircraft is to grab onto the underside of the canard in the cavity where the elevators hinge to the canard.  It provides a good grip hold when pulling the aircraft.
>> In my opinion, that and a friend to help push/pull really is the best option.
>> Best,
>> Scott B
>>
>>
>>
>> On 4/17/2013 12:10 AM, Mark Morse wrote:
>>> I'm building an XL-FG and am wondering how you move around the finished product.  No prongs for towbar...  No strut to pull on...
>>>
>>> Do owners use tugs?  Or powered tow bars?   Pull on the canard/elevator?
>>>
>>> Anyone have a recommendation?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>>  From Mark Morse
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