Ted,

 

Bravo on the guarantee that the tow bar is not still attached to the nose wheel at start up.  Although the Lancair design integrated tow bar presents no problem in LNC2 flight (tucks away nicely except for the handle - little additional drag), landing with it acting as a runway feeler is more problematic.  With the ignition key attached to the bar extension locking pin, I now know where it is even before the key goes into the switch.

 

Bad experiences are painful teachers.

 

Grayhawk

 

While I can't say I wouldn't ever get hit by something in the back, at least it won't be my towbar. That gets stored in the baggage area in clips with a microswitch to my annunciator panel. With that light on, I'm unlikely to start up, and due to its location, I have to close the baggage door before flying.

That doesn't say I can't do something else stupid...

Ted Noel
N540TF

On 3/13/2011 9:07 PM, Sky2high@aol.com wrote:

Fred,

 

Good result, nice report, great warning......

 

I once demonstrated negative G's to my son and while pointing to the ignition key ring quickly ascending, the tow bar stowed behind the ignorant pilot's seat arose and smote the back of my pumpkin head.  Duh! 

 

Thanks for the info even if I still rely on spring driven trim.............

 

Scott