Which tailwheel upgrade?

[lancef53]

I am getting ready to fly my 8, and am thinking that I want to have some more clearance for our grass strip, and gravel floor hanger. I am looking at the Aviation products tailwheel, and something like that or the bell unit would be perfect.

What is the story on the Bell unit? How do you get it, and what is the lead time and cost?

Any preferences, even if you haven't flown with it?

[bullojm1]

I have a Bell tailwheel upgrade but haven't flown with it. The quality of it is top notch. However, I did wait about a year to get it. I received it from emailing Doug Bell at dbell@manisteenational.com

[Mike Balzer]

I recently saw the Doug Bell TW in person and the quality and workmanship was outstanding. I put myself on the list to receive one and he E-mailed me back wanting to know if my plane was in the build status or is flying. I hope to get a Doug Bell TW and I think the people with flying aircraft should get priority.

I also think The Karen at Aviation Poducts Inc. makes a fine TW Located in Ojai, CA and very similar to the Bell.

BowenAero.com
805 646-6042


Mike Balzer

[lancef53]

Thanks for the replies, keep em coming. I sent an email to Doug today, I will see what the lead time is.

Lance

[Thermos]

I just got my Bell tailwheel a few months ago, it took awhile (more than a year). Doug Bell Jr told me that his dad is in his eighties and takes things kinda slowly - which I can certainly understand - and is a perfectionist as well.

Since I'm still a ways off from flying, the wait is a non-issue. And the workmanship is definitely worth the wait.

Cheers,

Thermos

[cjensen]

I have the DB TW as well...awesome quality, looks great, and the price is in line with all the other aftermarket TW's available.

It's worth the wait, but get on the list early...