Tail Skid

[FlyingMonkey]

Is there a tail skid, plate, or protector approved by FD that we can use on the bottom of the lower vertical tail extension to protect in the event of a tail strike? Probably unlikely to have the nose that high on landing, but a skid seems like cheap insurance.

[Ian]

The CTLS has a skid, I thought the SW did as well?

[Ed Cesnalis]

The fin is my skid

 

I have never contacted it while landing but it has a smooth flat bottom from flying while tied down in an 80kt wind with the seatbelt around the stick.

[FlyingMonkey]

LOL...I assume a single mild contact would not harm it other than cosmetically, but no need to let that happen if it's avoidable. I wonder if there is some brush on hard rubber that might help if nobody makes a skid. Plasti-Dip might work, but I doubt it would stick. Something you could put in a bucket or paint tray and just dip the lowest part of the fin might give a nice even coat.

[mocfly]

There is an loa for what you are looking for.

I have a copy.

 

[Roger Lee]

This is called the under fin. AirTime Aviation has tail skid plates. They are a plastic piece that screws on to the bottom. The only time you may strike the tail is in zero flaps and trying to pull the nose way up for a flair. It could happen in 15 flaps, but you would have to work at it. Just round out and fly parallel to the ground and don't they a nose high flair and you should never have an issue.

[FlyingMonkey]

Thanks Roger.

 

[Jim Meade]

keep in mind that as you add any significant amount of weight that far back of the CG, is will have more effect than if you set it on the seat beside you.

[Roger Lee]

This piece of plastic has no appreciable weight affect. It is an allowed addition from FD.