Message-ID: <3BB9B6A1.AEE49EF5@regandesigns.com>
Date: Tue, 02 Oct 2001 07:44:17 -0500
From: Brent Regan <Brent@regandesigns.com>
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To: Lancair List <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: Towing the IV
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Reading the descriptions of the tow bars that various builders have
constructed and used on the highway at speeds up to 15 mph I am reminded of
"The Crash of the Wingless Lancair". A builder constructed a tow bar that
connected the nose strut to this trailer hitch and set off for the airport,
gradually increasing speed as his pride and joy faithfully followed.
Suddenly, at an unknown critical speed, the Lancair became unstable and
fishtailed wildly. It broke free of its bonds and rolled.....over.
Unbelievable shock and remorse ensued. Wailing and gnashing ot teeth. Very
bad.

Like the Albatross, airborne the IV is grace defined but on the ground, out
of its element, it is fragile and awkward. There have been many incidents on
the ground because of an under appreciation of the planes vulnerability.
Just because you are one the ground doesn't mean you are intrinsically safe.

I also had to tow my IV from my shop to the airport three miles away. I
built a tow bar that attached to the nose wheel and not the nose strut. This
was to ensure that I couldn't get in a situation where the tow bar was
pointed one way and the wheel another (resulting the crash mentioned above).
I kept the maximum speed down to 5 mph. I also had a friend follow in a
chase car. Forty minutes and three gallons of sweat later my baby was safely
tucked into the hanger.

If you have to travel more than about 5 miles I would recommend that you
hire a flat bed auto tow truck. The shop where I had the paint done was
about 30 miles away and they also ran a towing service. The only tricky part
was using a 2" cargo strap to cinch the main gear closer together so they
would fit between the rails of the bed.

Regards
Brent Regan

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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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