The International Cessna 170 Association

What is a good (safe) method to use for lifting the tail? I want to get it to a level position. Thanks.

Many methods are available -- I've even put the small of my back under a bulkhead and squatted the old lady up! It's not as heavy as you think. Its not too bad with two people. Nonetheless, its not the recommended method.

More conventionally, a floor jack under the aft-most bulkhead towards the fishmouth bracket, protected by a cushion, will get you started. This by itself is enough to change the tailwheel components.

To lift it higher without relying solely on human power, a wrap or two of straps and a lifting device above the airplane such as a hoist or engine crane will do the trick. You could try putting the tailwheel on a single tine of a forklift, but that will require some securing to make sure it doesn't roll off.

Be prepared and have something available upon which to set the tail. a 55 gallon drum seems to be a good starting point.

I'm very curious to see what other methods folks have! All of these have worked for me.

Stop by my hangar at KRNH where I usually have some 170 work going on.
-Scott

When the tail wheel needs service, I use a motorcycle jack padded with a folded towel and sitting on cement blocks under the next to last fuselage bulkhead. You may not be able to get it completely level this way, but the higher you get it the lighter it gets, an you may be able to manually lift it by the tail wheel spring.

I have a motorcycle jack as well as a motorcycle lift-table and use them. The lift table has a “ramp” which I can simply slide forward beneath the tailwheel which will roll up/onto the table…and then pumping the foot-pedal the entire airplane is leveled. The m/c jack is used as Miles describes when I want to work on the tailwheel.

Thanks to all of you. Good info.