BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Aug 2016, 15:49

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a source for these "trailing" type wheel fairings for a C172. I've heard them referred to as "spats" but I'm not sure that's the best term for them. Also sometimes called "Maule style" wheel fairings. The turboprop Luscombe had them also. Looks like a better solution with fewer problems than a full over the top Cessna wheel pant.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 19 Oct 2016, 17:16

Really? No one knows nothin'?????

Username Protected · **Posted:** 19 Oct 2016, 22:26

Try posting on the CPA website.

Vince

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Oct 2016, 00:00

I imagine it helps but a better solution or less problems I wouldn't think so. Maybe in a harsh ground environment but why even mess with it. Plus they are uglier than ....... :thumbup:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Oct 2016, 10:53

I would post on the Maule forum as im sure there are lots of these that are sitting somewere in hangars across the country.

Why would you want to mess with these?

http://www.maulepilots.org/forums/

Username Protected wrote:

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a source for these "trailing" type wheel fairings for a C172. I've heard them referred to as "spats" but I'm not sure that's the best term for them. Also sometimes called "Maule style" wheel fairings. The turboprop Luscombe had them also. Looks like a better solution with fewer problems than a full over the top Cessna wheel pant.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Oct 2016, 11:37

Solution to what ?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Oct 2016, 12:55

I'll bet cleaning some (not all) the mud off the tail and bottom of the wing will yield the same or more speed improvement. If you don't have mud to clean off, than normal wheel pants will work fine.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Oct 2016, 10:47

Fair comments all. My thinking was easier to inspect condition of tire tread, access to valve stem, but still provide decent drag reduction. Also, these are not wider than the tire as a full fairing is, so should be more efficient, as in "reduce more drag than they add." Most BT guys don't worry about gear drag, I realize...

Mud is all off.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Oct 2016, 12:45

These are also called Achilles heels by Maule owners. They are strictly cosmetic. They do not add any speed at all. They were a fad during the 50s for pacer owners and the like. Their effectiveness can be gauged by the yawning void of information regarding them.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Oct 2016, 14:27

Don't know any old Maule guys, so that is helpful - thx.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Oct 2016, 14:31

Username Protected wrote:

Don't know any old Maule guys, so that is helpful - thx.

Just go to your nearest farm. Maule, built by farmers for farmers.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Oct 2016, 15:05

'Just another gimmick to absorb AMU's.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Oct 2016, 16:40

I'm sure there is some drag reduction, you just can't measure it with the airspeed indicator.
Kinda like flap gap seals and sloped windshields for the Bo, the biggest reduction happens to your wallet.

Greg

Spats