Winch PA28-180 via Tail Tie Down?

Jolo16a

Any thoughts on winching a -180 into the hangar via the tail tie down attach point?
Thank you.

Scott Sherer

I think lots of owners do this. In fact, in my rental hangar, there's a winch post from when someone else was in my hangar. Let's see what other folks say!

Jolo16a

Thanks Scott
Yes, been doing a lot of research on this subject.
This is a club airplane, lots of folks.
Concerned about "shear loading."

empannin

I would recommend no unless the winch is manual. The reason is sooner or later it is going to get stuck on and someone is going to crunch a control surface. Another consideration:
If there is just rolling resistance than the line tension is reasonable. However,
If someone left the parking brake on or a wheel chock then the winch line could tension to max and even a small ATV winch is 500lbs+.

Why not a Powertow EZ40? runs well on Avgas, easy to maneuver, good controls, not too expensive and still has value on the field used. You might find a used one local too.

https://www.powertow.com/40-EZ-Aircraft-Tug_p_14.html

MikeJJ

I can tell you that in the 36 years I have flown my 1966 Cherokee 180, I had two rental hangars with winches and used them often. In both cases, there was enough of a slope to make pushing the airplane difficult for me. Never had an issue or damage from doing this. Now, in a hanger of my own with no winch, I use an awesome little tug powered by a Black and Decker hand drill! Works like a charm and saves my back!

Here is a link that does not appear to work through the Piper Site. I cannot even copy and paste. Just type it into your browser and it will take you to the correct page.

https://www.minimaxtugs.com/Piper-wheel-pants-aircraft-tug-p/012piper(wp).htm

Regards,

Mike