I've finally pulled the trigger on purchasing an Aerostar: a 602P/700. I'm taking delivery and starting my training this weekend.

This might be a stupid question, but here you go: does anybody move their Aerostars by hand?

If I can get away with a regular old-fashioned tow bar, rather than a big gas or electric powered monstrosity, I will. I'm a pretty strong guy, but I've never tried to manually pull anything heavier than a Bonanza. Assume a relatively flat, dry, hard surface.

You will not move an aerostar with a tow bar alone. Two people pushing on the wings and a tow bar to steer can be done.

Tow bar alone is not going to happen. Just likely to break the airplane or yourself.

Get a gas or electric tug. Power Tow is a good brand but there are others. Sometimes something used can be found.

Thanks Eric, I’ll check out the powertow.

I did. My advice. Don't.

Tim

I use an electric tug from Lindberg. Works awesome.

Redline makes a Sidewinder adapter for use on the Aerostar! Done.

Let me know how the A* works out for you. We go to Sonoma two or three times a year to go to the Grove. Be happy to see the new bird.

Congratulations! It's an amazing flying machine.

I can't imagine moving one by hand, even on a flat surface. In an emergency, maybe two or three people could do it. It's almost 4,700lbs empty and about 6,000 with full fuel. I've got an ancient powertow with a lawnmower engine that clamps onto the nosewheel. It works okay, although the Lazy Susan versions are really luxurious. Most owners with a lot of experience will tell you that the steer limits really are limits. Also, because of the hydraulic steering, it helps to pivot the wheel slowly. You're pushing the fluid out of the actuator manually, so you can do harm by moving too quickly, even within the limits.

Congratulations! It's an amazing flying machine.

I can't imagine moving one by hand, even on a flat surface. In an emergency, maybe two or three people could do it. It's almost 4,700lbs empty and about 6,000 with full fuel. I've got an ancient powertow with a lawnmower engine that clamps onto the nosewheel. It works okay, although the Lazy Susan versions are really luxurious. Most owners with a lot of experience will tell you that the steer limits really are limits. Also, because of the hydraulic steering, it helps to pivot the wheel slowly. You're pushing the fluid out of the actuator manually, so you can do harm by moving too quickly, even within the limits.

The steering cylinder also acts as the shimmy damper. There is a little hole in the piston allowing fluid to slowly flow from one side to the other. This is how you steer with differential power/braking.

When moving the nose wheel with a tow bar, etc. the fluid doesn't go anywhere other than from one side of the piston to the other thru the little hole.

As far as tow bars go, I carry a folding one, made for a Seneca I think, in the baggage compartment. Moving it around the hanger by hand isn't that big a deal providing it isn't loaded, then it's a bit much. The "official A* hand tow bar was something like $1000, the one for the Seneca was more like $200. Same size nose wheel.

Jeff

Yeah, that's what I thought could cause trouble: if you forced it around faster than the fluid could seep through that hole. Maybe just an old wives tale, though.

Yeah, that's what I thought could cause trouble: if you forced it around faster than the fluid could seep through that hole. Maybe just an old wives tale, though.

never crack your hat

Had terrible support from Power Tow company.....ordered battery powered tow bar from Redline

I'm not a strong man by any stretch of the imagination, but I moved my Aerostar into a T-hangar for a short period of time by hand, and by myself. It has to be a pretty flat surface.

I used a good towbar, the Brackett TR-6. http://www.brackettaircraft.com/th-6spec.sht.htm
It's not made for that size airplane, but works good as a hand towbar.

The one word of caution is I naturally push hard by standing on my toes. If you do that, you will have all kinds of pain later (think similar to plantar fasciitis) as it stretches the muscles around the ball of your feet. It has taken me months to get back to the point I can walk without much pain. It took me a while to figure it out, and the last time I tried, the light went on. Make sure to push flat footed, which you can do...

Jason