Is there a nose hook modification for a standard cirrus

I bought a standard cirrus. I havent flown it yet, but I was wondering if it's possible to put a nose hook on the plane?

Anything's possible, given time and money but (here we go again), why
would you want to do that?Â* Flame suit on...

On 10/4/2017 3:27 PM, wrote:
I bought a standard cirrus. I havent flown it yet, but I was wondering if it's possible to put a nose hook on the plane?

--
Dan, 5J

There is a factory mod to fit a nose hook as described in Schempp Hirth TN 278-37.

In terms of why you'd want to, most Std Cirruses have a tailskid - tailskid and belly hook can be a challenging combination.

Nick.

On Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 7:57:58 AM UTC+10:30, wrote:
I bought a standard cirrus. I havent flown it yet, but I was wondering if it's possible to put a nose hook on the plane?

I had that combination on my LS-6a.Â* It was much simpler and cheaper to
swap the skid for a roller blade wheel.

On 10/4/2017 4:59 PM, wrote:
There is a factory mod to fit a nose hook as described in Schempp Hirth TN 278-37.

In terms of why you'd want to, most Std Cirruses have a tailskid - tailskid and belly hook can be a challenging combination.

Nick.

On Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 7:57:58 AM UTC+10:30, wrote:
I bought a standard cirrus. I havent flown it yet, but I was wondering if it's possible to put a nose hook on the plane?

--
Dan, 5J

On Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 4:27:58 PM UTC-5, wrote:
I bought a standard cirrus. I havent flown it yet, but I was wondering if it's possible to put a nose hook on the plane?

Last year I spoke to Heinze of M&H the U.S. Schempp-Hirth Dealer, he thought kit, less Tost release would run $1500, Tost release maybe $500. Installation labor??

Heinze thought it would not be cost effective.
I bought the spoiler mod instead. My glider already had the hatch and wedekind sleeves.
Spoiler mod was worth twice what I paid IMO.

Good Lift,
Scott.

The only Cirrus I've seen in the US with a nose hook is UN, and I *think* they used a Zuni hook. Boy it looked nice.

UN came with a Zuni or HP type hook installed by Applebay under a 337, that for those who aren’t familiar, kind of looked like a small Schweizer hook that retracts flush with the skin. The first time I attempted aerotowing with it, we tried twice to connect it with the line guy and it released and retracted when the towplane added power. The previous owner later said, yeah that happens sometimes, think the cable needs adjusted. I’ve also heard of Zuni accidents related to a possible premature release for what it’s worth. I taped over it and used the Tost CG hook without looking back. I figure Klaus knew what he was doing more or less.

Mike

On Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 10:20:21 PM UTC-5, wrote:
UN came with a Zuni or HP type hook installed by Applebay under a 337, that for those who aren’t familiar, kind of looked like a small Schweizer hook that retracts flush with the skin. The first time I attempted aerotowing with it, we tried twice to connect it with the line guy and it released and retracted when the towplane added power. The previous owner later said, yeah that happens sometimes, think the cable needs adjusted. I’ve also heard of Zuni accidents related to a possible premature release for what it’s worth. I taped over it and used the Tost CG hook without looking back. I figure Klaus knew what he was doing more or less.

Mike

For what it is worth, Mike, I believe there has been one (not plural) Zuni accident attributed to pre-mature release that was likely related to the release itself. That one was missing a key component that, if not installed, assured that the release could operate on its own, with no pilot action required. I have now heard of two others that have behaved similarly (yours and one other). I have multiple hundreds of launches with my Zuni and have NEVER experienced a release that I did not initiate. Mine has all its parts, and is of a slightly different design that does not rely on a hidden spring that, if it is not there, you won't know it is not there and the release will malfuntion.

I am not sure when the design changed, but if all the parts are there and properly functioning, the release performs as designed and intended.

As for the "benefit" of a nose hook, well the rubber cover on my BS1 nose hook got torn, and I have not been successful at fab and install of a new cover, so I taped it over. Howled like a giant coke bottle. I now only use the CG hook, and have had no problems.

As someone else said, "It will cost a lot, and the benefit will be small". But sometimes for your own piece of mind, and benefit to others down the road, we just bite the bullet, spend the money and do something.

Steve Leonard
Zuni 2 Serial 28
Between 300 and 400 launches on my Applebay hook.

The CG hook "problem" on aero tow is an airport myth. Nose hooks are a hardware solution to a software problem. Spend your money elsewhere - like a pneumatic tailwheel or spoiler mod.

On Thursday, 5 October 2017 06:08:14 UTC+3, wrote:
The CG hook "problem" on aero tow is an airport myth. Nose hooks are a hardware solution to a software problem. Spend your money elsewhere - like a pneumatic tailwheel or spoiler mod.

Agreed, nose vs. cg hook is non-issue and gets way more attention than it really deserves. Most pilot woudn't notice any difference. Tail skid on the other hand is something that should have been left in 1910's and biplanes. Just horrible thing to have in anything, royal pain in the ass everytime it touches ground.