John Hafen writes:

 

 …Is there a reason not to use such a device (mechanical tow) on a Lancair?  Is there a risk that the nose gear would fold?  Why is “mechanically attached towing generally not recommended”?

 

John, there may be other reasons, but one big concern is that the nose strut has some centering devices inside that are very easily damaged by turning the nose wheel beyond it’s pivot limit (I think this is 30 degrees either side of center? but don’t have the book handy). There was an AD or note issued by Lancair several years ago that included a turn limit decal one was supposed to install on the strut. I could not figure out how it would stay in place inside the engine compartment when the gear was retracted, so I did not install it, and now I can’t be sure of the limit…is there a lesson here???

 

In any case, I’d say this is at least one of the reasons for this caution—when moving the airplane with a tractor or tug, you’d damage the strut without even knowing if you moved it more than the limit.

 

Bob Pastusek