Preliminary product report.
I've been flying a JDAir tailwheel about 50 hours now. So far, I'd call it the best I've ever used, hands down.
The key feature is the method of supporting the yoke; the shaft pivots on a ball bearing and a needle bearing. There is no perceptible friction when weaving down a taxiway with a full load in the back, something really noticeable in the departure conga line at OSH last week.
In addition, the breakaway force for full swivel is holding at a high level. I've not had it apart to see how that is done. It pops into swivel easily with brake application, but so far, it has never gone full swivel inadvertently, no matter what stupid pilot trick I've thrown at it.
Last, it is fairly short, so it puts a small torsional moment on the tailwheel spring. That is good for the structure, but it also makes it steer in a positive manner, as it doesn't twist the spring.
I'll be back with a long term report, but for now, I think it's worth every nickel.
I've been flying a JDAir tailwheel about 50 hours now. So far, I'd call it the best I've ever used, hands down.
The key feature is the method of supporting the yoke; the shaft pivots on a ball bearing and a needle bearing. There is no perceptible friction when weaving down a taxiway with a full load in the back, something really noticeable in the departure conga line at OSH last week.
In addition, the breakaway force for full swivel is holding at a high level. I've not had it apart to see how that is done. It pops into swivel easily with brake application, but so far, it has never gone full swivel inadvertently, no matter what stupid pilot trick I've thrown at it.
Last, it is fairly short, so it puts a small torsional moment on the tailwheel spring. That is good for the structure, but it also makes it steer in a positive manner, as it doesn't twist the spring.
I'll be back with a long term report, but for now, I think it's worth every nickel.