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Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the unit weigh?
- Does the fully automatic system keep the pilot from extending the gear at high speed in a emergency?
- What is the main advantage of the Automatic system over the manual system?
- I live near the ocean. What about corrosion of your unit?
- What is Parkerizing?
- What kind of wires do you use?
- Will the EZNoseLift fit into a VariEZ?
- Do I have to cut or modify F-22?
- What is the unit made of?
- What is the maintenance schedule for the EZNoseLift?
- What is the operation time?
- How much force and how many turns at the manual extension shaft does it take to put the gear down if electrical power is lost?
- Where does the manual extension shaft extend through the instrument panel?
- Can the unit lift a fully loaded aircraft from the ground?
- How much does the unit weigh?
The nose lift adds 4 pounds to weight of your airplane over the original manual system
[Top] - Does the fully automatic system keep the pilot form
extending the gear at high speed in a emergency?
No, the gear extends anytime the gear switch is put in the "down" position.
[Top] - What is the main advantage of the Automatic system
over the manual system?
The automatic system relieves the pilot of concern about forgetting to extend the gear due to distractions. A very large percentage of canard pilots have forgotten to extend the gear. While this is not the major catastrophe that it is in other aircraft, it is still causes damage to both the aircraft and the pilots confidence (EGO). I personally have forgotten to put the gear down. It is very unnerving especially to passengers. Also at large airports it becomes a reportable incident to the FAA. Some pilots have admitted to forgetting to put the gear down two or three times.
[Top] - I live near the ocean. What about corrosion of your
unit?
The EZNoseLift has been designed with corrosion prevention in mind. The tubes are Parkerized (not painted), the NG3A and Foot are made of stainless steel and all aluminum components are anodized.
[Top] - What is Parkerizing?
Parkerizing is a chemical treatment of the metal. It is a black oxide that has been treated with a polymerized oil. It is scratch and rust resistant. It has been used on military weapons. It is not painting (which will wear off).
[Top] - What kind of wires do you use?
All wires are grade aircraft MILSPEC type.
[Top] - Will the EZNoseLift fit into a VariEZ?
Yes, The VariEZ is the only plane which requires a minor modification for installation because of the small size of the plane. The EZNoseLift has been installed in several VariEZs.
[Top] - Do I have to cut or modify F-22?
No, the EZNoseLift fits into the same mounting holes as the original gear system. A small slot (3/4" x 1½") will be cut in F-22 to allow the installation of the manual retraction rod.
[Top] - What is the unit made of?
The tubes are thin wall 4130 steel, NG3A and the support foot are stainless steel and the remaining parts are aluminum, tool steel and other standard materials. Many of the purchased parts are quality US made standard parts. The Ball nut, ball screw, and motor gearbox are Thomson-Saginau. The bearings are Timken. The Ujoint used on the extension shaft is MILSPEC. All fabricated parts are custom made.
[Top] - What is the maintenance schedule for the EZNoseLift?
The EZNoseLift is lubricated internally and should need lubrication only after 1000 operations. The unit can be removed from the aircraft in approximately fifteen minutes by removing the NG3A pivot bolt and the two upper AN5A pivot bolts and lifting the unit out the nose access door. The motor gearbox can be removed by removing one 3/8" bolt. The actuator then can be disassembled for lubrication of the ball screw by removing two socket head cap screws. The Timken trust bearings can be lubricated by inserting a grease zert in place of one of the mount bolts and forcing grease into the bearings with a grease gun. The lower part of the actuator houses the shock spring and the recoil orings. These should need no maintenance and should not be disassembled because the spring is under preload.
[Top] - What is the operation time?
The operation time is twenty seconds with normal system voltage (14 Volts).
[Top] - How much force and how many turns at the manual extension
shaft does it take to put the gear down if electrical power is lost?
The force required is 60 -100 inch-pounds for 35 turns.
[Top] - Where does the manual extension shaft extend through
the instrument panel?
The standard system provides for the extension shaft to exit the panel at the top + or - 6" either side of center. There is a optional extension shaft to allow the extension shaft to exit the panel at the bottom where the manual shaft did. The extension shaft has 1/4" square drive end that can be operated with a 1/4"drive ratchet wrench while the pilot is flying the airplane.
[Top] - Can the unit lift a fully loaded aircraft from the
ground?
Yes, The EZNoseLift can do this. The empty nose weight of the aircraft effects this somewhat when using the standard ten amp circuit breaker. However, the unit can easily handle more current if needed. The standard circuit breaker is sized to act as safety factor so the unit will not damage the aircraft if it meets a unexpected obstruction.
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