The 6030 with bumper is designed to reduce the kick-back that occurs when releasing a banner. The polyethylene bumper absorbs the force of the release and your tow hook release will last longer. The bumper installation will require additional bushing and/or spacers for installation on aircraft with the hook mounted facing down to allow adequate clearance of the rudder or tail-cone.
Our model number 6027 and 6029 have the same mounting dimensions as the Schweizer tow hook. However, you would still need to get a new FAA Form 337 approval for the installation.
The Pacific Aerial tow hook has many advantages over the previously available tow hooks in the area of release safety. Our redesigned hook and hook body prevent the towline ring from moving forward under unusual high tow angles. This prevents excessive loading and jamming of the release arm. The release assembly has geometry improvements that provide additional leverage and a hardened roller reduces release friction. Both improvements increase the release capability of the tow hook. The result is that the Pacific Aerial tow hook will release the tow load with less applied release force than previously available tow hooks. This is especially true for heavy tow loads at abnormal and severe tow angles.
No, Schweizer discontinued manufacturing their tow hitches several years ago. Our parts are not compatible with the Schweizer tow hitches.
This varies with the type of aircraft. We have mounting brackets available for purchase for Cessna 140, 170, 180, 185, and 188 (Cessna 180, 185, and 188 brackets only fit models with tail wheel locks). Also, we have diagrams of the Schweizer tow hook installations for several aircraft on our technical page.
Yes!! Our tow hooks are covered under STC SA220SO and are made under FAA PMA. For aircraft not covered by the STC, approval can be obtained for the complete tow hook and release system by following the guidelines in FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-2B, Chapter 8, titled, “Glider and Banner Tow-Hitch Installations” and using the STC’s ICA. Contact Pacific Aerial Tow Hooks for additional engineering.
Tow Hook Release installations on certificated aircraft must be FAA approved in accordance with the appropriate parts of the Federal Aviation Regulations. This approval can be accomplished by any of the following three methods:
- Approved Original Equipment Item: — the aircraft manufacturer designed, tested and received an FAA type approval for the tow hook installation as a part of the approved equipment items for a specific aircraft.
- Supplemental Type Certificate Approval: — one can design, engineer, test and obtain approval of an installation on a specific airplane model under provisions of an FAA supplemental type certificate. This installation can be accomplished on other aircraft of the same model with the approval of the STC holder.
- Major Alteration Approval on FAA Form 337: — FAA FSDO inspectors have the authority to accept individual installations done on a local FAA Form 337 basis. Installations in this case should be accomplished in accordance with the methods, practices and guidelines outlined in FAA advisory circular No. AC43.13-2B, Chapter 8, to afford a reasonable margin of safety. Additional engineering and testing may be required by the individual FAA inspector to substantiate the structural integrity of the installation. The FAA will often accept installations which were previously approved by FAA Form 337 on same model aircraft, provided such installations have been proven in service. Since the procedures and policies on this type of approval vary from one FAA district officer to another, one should discuss the proposed installation with the FAA before proceeding.