Kal Quaife

Agree to all. I cannot find when the RNZAF ceased towing without disconnecting links. A bit of extra background to fault. Aircraft flew in for DLM and NLG removed. Aircraft flew out same NLG and all its other paraphernalia the same except the felt pressure seal thru the NLG upper bulkhead where tiller arm goes thru. This aircraft had no issues prior to DLM. The drawing we have for the seal 340340 is at rev M which say made from teflon per AMS3651 yet we recieved a felt seal (same as was removed). Naturally we went thru due approval process to get the felt seal installed as it differed from our drawing revision (personally I prefer felt). As an aside our situation is unique as our hangars cannot take a Herc being towed in. Firstly we remove rudder and then vert stab then fully jack and remove wheels, brakes and torque struts and then lower MLG onto what we call the skateboard and NLG is left installed. The aircraft is now low enough for us to use a schoff to tow aircraft sideways into hangar. We have a smaller tractor on NLG. Small amout of coordination required to get aircraft centered and on correct spots for jacking. We then do the DLM and associated MLG etc functionals in hangar the we pull it all to bits to put on skateboard to get the thing outside only to redo the majority of functionals again i.e main and emergency functionals and brakes etc. A bit quicker as we have done timings and clearances in hangar prior. Thought you would find this amusing.

2 Page 2−3 l. Never tow the aircraft at an angle which will cause the main gear tyres to slide. Be careful when towing at sharp angles; tow very slowly. When towing from the nose gear, do not exceed the turning angle indicated by the black line painted on the fuselage, unless the upper and lower torque arms of the nose gear are disconnected and the distance between the upper and lower torque arm attach bolts does not exceed 26 inches. Just a short excerpt from our Ground Handling manual NZAP6211.006-2-2. We tow i.e general flight line manoeuvring with scissors connected. I can see your point with having scissors disconnected at all times to stop numpties damaging aircraft.

I would like to think that I am proficient in towing aircraft. The C130 can be towed with scissors connected as long at turning limits are not exceeded (black lines on nose sides) and if required to exceed the scissors are disconnected. We at Woodbourne New Zealand do what ever is required. The towbar only shears when connected. As stated prior I have pretty much nailed it to the felt/teflon seal at bottom of tiller ashaft. Thanks for your reply.

The RNZAF at 40 SQN have changed two steering valves and still a fault. All linkages checked and within limits. Cables at correct tension for temp. Feedback chain in indicator below C/wheel had some stiff links which were lubed, fault still there. Nil binding in strut (grease plates used and NWS operated plus tow bar operated with scissors disconnected and nil binding. We did however change the felt seal PN 340340 that goes stits around steering rack tube that goes thru pressure skin. Therein it may be binding due to compression of upper cap tightening leading to momentary restriction whilst towing and causing the tension on cables to be different enough to actuate teeter totter. I will test control wheel torque and compare to other aircraft if possible. I will then take off top cap PN 340339 and lift seal up and recheck. Will let y'all know findings. Meanwhile naturally recommended they tow aircraft with scissors disconnected.

RNZAF C130H keeps shearing towbar pins. We found that the NWS steering indicator feed back drive chain in upper indicator dial had stiff links and stuck during travel and we thought that this was not allowing steering valve teeter totter arm to cycle whilst towing and causing a lock thus shearing towbar pins. We lubed chain and it appeared to fix problem but now the shearing has reoccured. Has anyone had this problem. We have not changed valve. It naturally does not do it with arm disconnected. NWS rigging i.e cable tension correct and even and teeter totter arm correct. The NWS operates as required when on skid plates. Cheers Kal