Is it possible to change a Contender to tail dragger?


thanks



Dan

Sure. Anything's possible.

Here's the problem that may make it economically and practically unfeasable: the main gear is attached to blocks mounted in the wing panels.

You would either need to move (or add) blocks up in the wing box much nearer the leading edge, or add a flat-aluminum style to get the axles nearer the leading edge. That might be tricky on the low-wing with it's thick aerofoil. Lots of curve in that spot. You could beef up the hatch under the tank compartment and mount it there, but the rear swept legs required would look odd.

I built the conventional trike gear version last winter. Dandy plane. I also converted a Big Stik 40 to tail-dragger. For me it was well worth the effort. Try a search on the "Kit Building" forum (or maybe it was "Tips & Techniques"). There were several good tips there in the past year.

I agree with Charlie P. The design of the Contender limits it's conversion IMHO. And if you built it with the optional flap like I did that could (would?) cause even more problems. If you try it let us know how it comes out.

AL