Tow plane wanted

Two of the Pawnee’s I fly have this exact tow release handle. The other one has a Schweizer release handle in front the throttle. I actually like the handle in front of the throttle better. Both are acceptable to me.

On Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 6:46:12 PM UTC-4, Bob Youngblood wrote:
On Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 3:18:30 PM UTC-4, AS wrote:
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 3:49:50 AM UTC-4, Bob Youngblood wrote:
On Monday, June 15, 2020 at 8:17:03 PM UTC-4, wrote:
Hi bob, hours since major overhaul? Total? and Price?

Thanks

Cliff

The Pawnee was totally rebuilt and had 17 hours on it since rebuild. The engine has about 900 hours since total rebuild. I will confirm all the hours and post the actual info tomorrow. The plane was not used to spray with after rebuild, I had it converted to tow. Some here have seen this plane and can confirm the condition. All AD's have been complied with, no hopper, I towed yesterday with it also just completed annual. Asking 51 K, will sell with or without Tost hook. Bob

Hi Bob - tried twice to contact you via P.M. but it doesn't seem to go through - hence the post.
Our club is in the process of moving the tow line release from the Pawnee's floor board to the panel area. Could you make some info available as to how that conversion was done on your Yellow Gorilla?
Thanks,

Uli
'AS'

Uli, I have done this conversion on three Pawnee's that I have owned, and for the life of me I am still at a loss of words as to why others have not done this. The handle is the hopper dump handle standard on all Pawnee's it extends from below the floor and rises up to a position about three feet above the floor. I is a double connected bar that has a bushing and it is fitted in two places.
The lower end has a slight bend facing forward for the hopper release to attach. Since we have no need for the hopper I removed it and incorporated that handle as the tow release handle. I cut and welded the lower end to face backward to connect to the tow release cable. This handle is extremely strong and the leverage is unequaled compared to other releases. The most important aspect is the location, just forward of the throttle and mixture handle within easy reach in the event of an emergency. IMHO the Schweizer hook is not the big problem, but reaching the release while positioned on the floor is the main culprit. Just strap yourself into a Pawnee and try to reach the floor panel, not an easy thing to do. Now put yourself into an emergency situation and it becomes even more difficult!
I will be glad to snap a few pics and send them to your email address. Bob

Bob - from what you are describing, our A&P/AI is trying to use that same location. We already have the Tost tow hook. I did sit in the Pawnee once (not a power- or tow pilot, though) and concluded that one has to have the anatomy of an Orangutan to reach for the handle while still looking forward and out the window!
If you could send me a picture or two to moc.oohay@nnamuenilu that would be great - or post them on your website. There seems to be some general interest in this conversion.

Uli
'AS'

Uli, I have done this conversion on three Pawnee's that I have owned, and for the life of me I am still at a loss of words as to why others have not done this. The handle is the hopper dump handle standard on all Pawnee's it extends from below the floor and rises up to a position about three feet above the floor. I is a double connected bar that has a bushing and it is fitted in two places.
The lower end has a slight bend facing forward for the hopper release to attach. Since we have no need for the hopper I removed it and incorporated that handle as the tow release handle. I cut and welded the lower end to face backward to connect to the tow release cable. This handle is extremely strong and the leverage is unequaled compared to other releases. The most important aspect is the location, just forward of the throttle and mixture handle within easy reach in the event of an emergency. IMHO the Schweizer hook is not the big problem, but reaching the release while positioned on the floor is the main culprit. Just strap yourself into a Pawnee and try to reach the floor panel, not an easy thing to do. Now put yourself into an emergency situation and it becomes even more difficult!
I will be glad to snap a few pics and send them to your email address. Bob

Bob,

The reason "others" haven't done what you did with your tow plane is that "others" have not found themselves pointed at the ground and unable to release while towing an inadequately prepared student pilot or any glider pilot not responding properly to losing sight of the tow plane. Once this happens to those who can make things happen at any club or commercial operation, changes will be made posthaste.

Any tow plane without a release handle available to the tow pilot sitting in the upright position is a disaster waiting to happen. The FAA and SSA know the recommended release handle (five to one ratio and located down on the floor of the aircraft) when combined with a Schweizer release is inadequate, they both mention this in their advisory circular and in the SSA literature IN BRIGHT RED LETTERS. Lack of mechanical advantage can be corrected, the movers and shakers need to stop waiting and start reacting.

Walt Connelly
Former Tow Pilot
Now Happy Helicopter Pilot