Sandor ,
I didsn't get my oleo's from you(probably a mistake), but I did not get pins with it. I got axles but not the right size. I don't like the install you show with the pin exposed about 3/4inch. Maybe it is not important but I like the oleo to butt against the retract unit. I feel there is less stress on the pin. Maybe this is not consistant with their design, but I like the look better and feel more comfortable with it.
Scott

Where is the optimal position for the Titan SE in the bypass?
David

well it is not suposed to touch , because of safety reasons.
if you suffered a bad landing you will thank us for not having to buy a new wing.
i know some examples where after a hard landing ,the complete gear and oleo went thru the wing.
costing a grand on a new wing..
why dont you replace the aluminium part with something from teflon?.
the pin is the last resort the forces will go to after the oleo has fully collapsed..
also our pins are made of silver steel and have special made flat side on them.
i am just telling you what we recomend , and what has been proven to work nothing more nothing less.
but then i leave it to you...

Just out of curiosity, what ever happened to the actual build thread?? There were 7 pages of arguments, followed by some beautiful pictures of finished planes.

Has anyone actually done a "build thread"?

HI Guys, I am almost finished my lightning but am concerned about the stiff struts from Behotec, I know their are a lot of people breaking axles.
Should I get softer springs or just get a different brand of struts
I would hate to loose the paint job on the first flight
Am I right, to be concerned about the original landing gear setup.
thanks for any info.
Rcpete

rcpete,
Fly your lightning with confidence that the system works. I have over 50 flights on my lightning with about 30-35 of them off a rough grass field and I have never had an axle break. I have bent them, but never broke. I know Ray Labonte had over 250 flights on his lightning before he sold it and is still using the original gear. I did try the Jet 1-A gear recently and they did handle the grass well but the springs streched after 6 flights to the point the were way too soft. I reinstalled the original gear and will continue to fly until I can find suitable springs.

The Behotec gear is well made and durable gear, but is not magic. It won"t save your plane from a terrible landing. If you drop your plane out of the air from 4 or more feet expect there to be ramifications. This is a sweet flying plane and lands as easy as any jet short of a boomer and don"t listen to anything to the contrary.
Scott

www.jetpilots.org

Select members tab, then knowledge bank, look for build article on Lightning.

The landing gear will be fine. Common problems with the landing gear include not shimming them up to give them clearance from the top of the wing, retract valves not set up properly, air leaks in the system, not blocking the nose wheel to keep it vertical while retracted and failure to flat spot the pins leading to excessive twist in the gear legs. I would recommend a TAMS fail safe system for a margin of safety. The lower struts tend to bend in bad landings, the axles will hold up fine. One other point ... the trunion pin is held in by a brass collar that will wear over time, allowing the pin to work free. Keep an eye out for excessive play.

Great resource! Thank you for the info. I will be joining that organization as well.

Very True..

we did some testing on last sunday , and we did drop the model from 6ft and no damage was done...
the springs where twice the size , and the small doors for the oleo,s came off.
front oleo was fine.
but before we did that test , we did another flight and yes the springs are a bit to soft for the moment , but we will have new ones soon.
i am waiting for someone who could help us with these.
the model is as easy to land as a boomerang.

Just finished my second lightning, first one had a little mishap. Im not happy with the stock landing gear on my lightning for grass . I found that the tire digs into our florida grass. The tire is very thin. Please let me know when the jet 1a is ready ,including spring. I have jet 1a on my boomer and could not live without them. Thanks for the info. Bill Squillace

I decided not to use gear doors on this one sport jet

that is a very cool idea what you did there..
solves all gear door issues , and you have 2 airconnectors less..
anyway the Landing gears for the lightning work perfect , as for the springs it is a different story.
yes they are a bit weak for the job , if landed perfectly no problem.
but if you land a bit hard as we tested the springs are gone...
and that is not acceptable after a few landings.
so please hang on while we look for stronger springs..

Sandor have you found any springs yet? Thanks Bill

has anyone found any trailing link landing gear that works yet for my lightning

As anyone used Festo fitting for quick plug-in of AIR lines for the retracts when diconnecting the wings?
Is it any good or will it wear out and/or leak faster then those cumbersome white connector that comes with the retract kit?

NEW BABY IN TOWN !

More pic !
Maidem will be this month

Finally decide to post some pics here. Geterdun...............

How will this plane fly on a 30lb (Artes Eagle) turbine?

Like a Ferrary with a 2.2 L engine

Mine has 36lbs and I fly with a guy who runs 45lbs. I am always wishing I had more power on the vertical.

As far as straight and level flight, you will have no problems whatsoever.

My friend Osvaldopv one weight 35 pounds dry he will be using a rhino in his. Plane is finish and we all are waiting for the maiden. May be after mothers day weekend. I think it will fly with a 30 pounder but will be boring and as Sean said dont expect vertical performance. I was about to order one but decide not to do it casue my engine is also an Supea Eagle so I will install her in a flash.

Does anyone have a picture they could post of the Main Gear doors using the robart rams that came with the later Lightnings?

Thanks!
Buzz Killingsworth [&o]

Here you go.