David-aviator
Well Known Member
N819VK said:1500+ landings on grass in my RV-6A. .....I run 45 psi on all tires as it rolls noticably smoother with less power than a lower psi on grass. Am I concerned about my nose gear...NO.
Well, I'll be darned, I'm not the only pilot flying with 45 psi.
I checked with Desser on tire pressure, the Air Hawk 5x500 6 ply is rated at 50 psi. The nose tire by Shin is not specifically listed but I believe it is rated at about 60 psi. Now I know Van's says 25 and 35 respectively, but so far 45 is working OK for me and I believe it is a suitable pressure for soft field ops. It maintains a better height between the surface and the bottom of the wheel pants, which get beat up much to much anyhow.
I agree with keeping it rolling after landing and I do it before take off also. By that, don't taxi real slow but taxi with enough power to keep the nose wheel light with aft stick and prop blast across the HS. It is very diffiicult to make a short turn taxiing slow but much easier going a bit faster with a light nose gear. We do a 180 at the end of one runway and this is the technique that works best. I do the check list after start on the pad at the hangar and if things work out, do not stop taxiing right up to lift off. Once you stop, the wheels settle in and it can be a chore getting it moving again, especially if it is a bit wet.
If there is a new rabbit hole, there's a chance the NG will bounce right over it with a bit of power on. Beyond that, we don't allow rabbit holes around here. There are a few coyotes in the territory and they keep such criters in check. I haven't seen a cat in six months, either. A greater risk is a wood chuck hole, they probably are not about to let a coyote get the upper hand. The only thing that keeps them in check is a 30-06. Many years ago, when things were a bit more normal than today, there was an old Captain out of ORD who carried a revolver in his crew kit specifically to controll airport jack rabbits at places like ABQ. He'd open the window and involk a bit of rabbit family planning for the benefit of other pilots and the traveling public.