Alon Aircoupe alignment with spring landing gear
Alon Aircoupe alignment with spring landing gear
(OP)
In a forum Feb. 05, Aerodog described work on spring landing gear for Alon Aircoupe. This gear replaced the Bellville spring suspension gear, which was used on all early "Ercoupe" models and some later Alon "Aircoupe" aircraft.
Question: When alignment issues arise (toe-out, negative camber), is there any provision for re-alignment of the spring gear? In the automotive world, spring "re-arching" is common, but on aircraft, this doesn't seem viable.
No repair manuals or parts manuals contain any information on this type of gear and new replacements are not available. The spring gear is very rare, so used are also unknown.
Question: When alignment issues arise (toe-out, negative camber), is there any provision for re-alignment of the spring gear? In the automotive world, spring "re-arching" is common, but on aircraft, this doesn't seem viable.
No repair manuals or parts manuals contain any information on this type of gear and new replacements are not available. The spring gear is very rare, so used are also unknown.





RE: Alon Aircoupe alignment with spring landing gear
RE: Alon Aircoupe alignment with spring landing gear
I can understand shimming to correct the toe-out issue. Any ideas on the negative camber? I believe the next step is probably to pull the gear and check for any signs of bending.
Thanks. I'll check the Cessna shims.
RE: Alon Aircoupe alignment with spring landing gear
RE: Alon Aircoupe alignment with spring landing gear
Granted, the absorption is a result of lateral movement of the tires on landing, which definitely scrubs the tires. Aircoupes don't exhibit the typical bounce or porpoise tendency that a Cessna does; they just sit down and stay. This does make it difficult to tell when you've had a bad landing, as they all seem fine from the left seat...lol
BTW, I've heard there are similar bacteria that actually eat oil, which was a comfort to me, as the coupe does still return some to Mother Earth.
RE: Alon Aircoupe alignment with spring landing gear
Although they don't sell replacement parts for the spring gear, Univair should be able to tell you what the proper rig is and you may be able to sweet talk them into giving you some idea as to the critical dimensions on the gear.
Ask for Craig in engineering.
RE: Alon Aircoupe alignment with spring landing gear
Thanks for the tip. Craig faxed Alon Bulletin #13, which give the procedure for toe measurement and adjustment using tapered shims. I agree with you, the toe issue probably is the most detrimental to tire wear.