Composite flat tailspring

[Richard Mole]

I saw that the Minimax in the LAA tent at AeroExpo had a composite spring with a rectangular cross-section.

Does anyone know where I could source one, either for a Minimax or similar very light single place?

[Ian Law]

I used a GRP tailspring on my Taylor Mono, using the Pazmany book as a source of guidance.

Used layers of MDF to make a mold and Roger Target laminated the spring for me. It was much lighter than the old steel cart spring, but was very "bouncy" when taxiing. At the same time, I made a locking tailwheel, which greatly improved runway landing behaviour.

Ian

[Richard Mole]

Thanks for the reply. I'll check what Pazmany has to say.

[TRAZZELL]

I wonder whether laminating a viscoelastic material such as a soft rubber could dampen out bounces?
Tony Razzell