Mmel 32 Landing Gear
12. Tail Skid
1) 727-200 Only
d) Following (c), the gear
handle is returned to UP and
the tail skid annunciator
extinguishes.
NOTE: Handle should remain UP until
necessary to lower gear.
NOTE: The tailskid must be extended and locked down for takeoff; in addition, the
crushable core must be installed and operable. There are two reasons for
these requirements:
1. The tailskid protects the tail section against damage from over-rotation.
2. Takeoff speeds are based on the airplane being geometry limited (i.e. the
airplane cannot be over-rotated).
Without the tailskid function the airplane would have to be re-certified using
higher takeoff speeds.
MAINTENANCE (M)
On all EXCEPT 727-200 AIRPLANES - Deactivate tail skid as follows:
1. If tailskid is fully extended:
A. Disconnect and tie back electrical connector.
B. Install bolt through ground lockpin in large cam, add washer and nut, then
secure with cotter pin.
2. If tail skid is not fully extended:
A. Remove the second fixed tread from the bottom of the fixed ventral stair,
directly above the actuator.
B. Disconnect and tie back electrical connector.
C. Remove tail skid actuator and extend tail skid fully.
D. Replace tread on fixed ventral stair.
E. Install bolt through ground lockpin hole in large cam, add washer and nut,
then secure with cotter pin.
3. Placard the tail skid position light, F/E's lower panel, "INOP-LOCKED
EXTENDED."
4. Placard near landing gear control handle on pilot's center panel, "TAIL SKID
On 727-200 AIRPLANES - deactivate tail skid as follows:
1. If tail skid is not fully extended, install landing gear downlock pins,
place landing gear control handle in the "OFF" position, then manually pull
tail skid down. (Cam follower roller will be on aft side of lower cam lobe
when tail skid is fully extended).
2. Remove screw attaching clip to outboard side of right-hand yoke and pivot clip
forward on lower bolt to provide clearance. Reinstall screw, washer and nut
in yoke.
3. Install bolt through tail skid downlock hole in right yoke from inboard side,
with two washers under head of bolt. Secure with washer, nut and cotter pin.
4. Push up on lower end of actuator piston. Yoke assembly stop should contact
bolt head restricting piston travel to approximately 3/16 inch. (The cam
follower roller must still be aft of the lower point of the cam lobe).
5. Place landing gear control handle, pilot's center panel, in the "DOWN"
position.
6. Remove landing gear downlock pins.
7. Placard the tail skid position light, F/E's lower panel, "INOP-LOCKED
EXTENDED."
8. Placard near the landing gear control handle on pilot's center panel, "TAIL
SKID INOP-LOCKED EXTENDED."
9. Inform dispatch.
INOP-LOCKED EXTENDED."
5. Inform dispatch.