We received this at HQ an am posting here so that those more familier might post and Pat can read any responses with the link I will give him. I've already told him in email that there were two brackets used on the 170 series and that both the brackets were different in construction but both used a AN6 bolt to hold the springs to the bracket.
Hopefully those more familier with a tow bracket on our 170s can give Pat some insight.
Good Afternoon,
I am investigating the manufacturing of a bracket for a tow hook for the Cessna 140, 170 and L-19 Birddog. I have the bracket that Gasser used and also their STC for the installation. However, in my research, I have come across several question about the hole size in the bracket (tail springs) for the bolt that attaches to the fuselage. I know that some models of the 140 and 170 have different hole sizes, some 5/16” and some 3/8”.
My questions are:
1. Has anyone installed the Gasser bracket on their aircraft and has it worked? Are you towing banners or gliders? Or, do you have a different bracket that works better?
2. Would it be better to manufacture two different brackets with different hole sizes or would you prefer to have a bushing in the 5/16” hole in case there has been a modification of your tail springs?
Any assistance or help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Best Regards,
Pat Hockett
Wings Unlimited, Inc.
25900 College Blvd.
Olathe, KS 66061
913-782-5176
Wingsunlimitedtowhooks.com
CAUTION - My forum posts may be worth what you paid for them!
Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
Bruce I have a tailhook STC that is applicable to the 170. Its at the hangar but I believe it applied to the 170 and the 180. I haven't looked at it for a long time but I will dig it out if you are seeking more info. Doug
I'm not looking for more info, Pat Hockett is. I'll bet he knows the 170 and the 140 aren't the best tow planes specially with their stock engines. But he's still looking for info what might be the best way to go should he develop one which it sounds like he has done.
CAUTION - My forum posts may be worth what you paid for them!
Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
Although I have never been on the end of a tow rope behind a 170, I have many flights in England behind the DH Chipmunk with the 145hp. The Chipmunk empty weight is 200 pounds more than the 170. We were towing the single place gliders only... Nothing big. Later, at our club in Ohio, we pulled a Grob 103 (two-place glass ship) for several months with a 172. Nothing to brag about, but do-able and safe. One of the many reasons that I switched from the 195 back to the 170 was the possibility of installing a tow hitch.
I have a hook and tow with my 53 170B with the O-300. It's not a Pawnee but it is adequate for unballasted single seat gliders. I can no longer remember if I have towed a 2-33 with two but I think I have.
Its not the word's best climbing tow plane and if you have 20 guys ready to launch between 11:30 and 12:00, someone may be disappointed. However, I launch two friends, one in a 1-35 and one in 1-23, and then climb our Russia AC-5M and self launch and everyone's happy.
Word of caution: our field is close to sea level and a scorching day is 75 so I am not sure how this would work out in Reno. I also think having a CHT fitted on every cylinder woud be a good idea.
Some float pilots have installed tow hooks to make it easier to self-launch a float plane into a swift current. The plane can be tailed onto the bank and secured with a line anchored from shore to the tow hook. Then the engine can be started, warmed up, and even run-up while tied to the bank. Only then, if everything checks out would the pilot release the tow hook launching the plane into the current safely and ready to go. Having to push off from shore into a current is not something a float pilot wants to do. Good way to wreck your plane if it doesn't start.
Last edited by hilltop170 on Thu Jan 31, 2013 6:21 am, edited 1 time in total.
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
Will let you download a pdf entitled "Cessna 140-170 Schweizer Tow Hook Installation" (look for it on the page). That contains a drawing that shows installation on a 170. The topmost leaf spring in the stack is replaced with a mounting bracket. Wings sells that modified leaf as well as the hooks.
I've considered towing with my 170,I think the performance here in Alaska would be acceptable -- we don't see the density altitudes that you all will in the lesser 48.
-Scott
PS I just read the original post -- and saw that I referenced the guy who posted it! I guess he figured it out.
I'm replying to my own post 3 years later because now I am the one in need of information.
I am seeking any and all information related to the installation of a Schweizer tow release on a Cessna 170. If you have a copy of an STC (there are 2 that I know of), drawings, or even a 337 I would most sincerely appreciate your help.