Choosing the Right Tire
Not all tires are equal. We all know from buying car tires that qualities varies depending on brand. But another consideration in aviation is size varies based on brand.
In February I talked about having my Pit crew and doing a quick change on a flat tire. But we didn't mention getting a tire that actually fits.
I have seen many Stemme's that have wear marks because they are using a wider tire then what was originally installed. It is still a 5.00x5, but it is just slightly wider and doesn’t fit properly.
A friend of mine has a Discus 2b where he replaced his 5.00x5, but it has a very slightly larger circumference and the gear doors no longer close properly. This results in an annoying noise and they pop-open in high speed flight.
Many of these gliders are very close tolerance, this includes the gear area.
TOST tires are a reliable way to make sure the tire will fit on your German sailplane. Another way is to look in your maintenance manual and see what the manufacture has installed and certified with the sailplane.
If the manufacture says to use a particular tire then you know that tire will fit and is certified with the aircraft.
You should still have the maintenance manual, but I have seen pilots attempt to show up to an annual without it. Take a look at yours, it may require you to include a weight and balance every 4 years. It may require updated instruments. A good idea is to look at your operating limitations and see what it requires you to do to maintain airworthiness. You might be surprised it might be more then a simple condition inspection as required by appendix D part 43.
Banner Photo: Mika Ganszauge
See Ya’ at the Airport is a wonderful collection of stories written by Charlie Spratt.
A theme that ran through Charlie's life was that he wasn't bothered by trivia whether in the realm or the physical world, interpersonal relations, or detail that didn't seem to have an immediate impact. Readers will note this theme through the book and some of the conventional among us have reflected on how there might be a lesson here.
Another compelling aspect of Charlie was his uncanny ease with relationships, whether it had to be well–healed banker, professor, five–year–old, winner, loser, or average Joe. He was immediately comfortable with any and all, but wasn't fooled by insincere or the pretentious. Therein lies another area for reflection as Charlie takes us along for a look at his life.
Garret Willat holds a flight instructor rating with over 8000 hours in sailplanes. His parents have owned Sky Sailing Inc. since 1979. He started instructing the day after his 18th birthday. Since then, Garret has represented the US Junior team in 2003 and 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics. Garret represented the US Open Class team in 2008 and 2010 and the Club Class team in 2014. Garret has won 3 US National Championships.