About
Tundra
How we started
Conceived by Jim Pekola in the United States, the Tundra Tailwheel was specifically designed to enhance safety and performance during landings with tailwheel aircraft. Steve Henry, a dedicated proponent of the Tundra Tailwheel, has extensively utilized it on his personal aircraft over numerous years, attesting to its proven success. In 2024, Mr. Henry assumed ownership of the business from Mr. Pekola, ensuring the continued legacy of this esteemed tailwheel into the foreseeable future.
Why Tundra Tailwheels?
The Tundra Tailwheels are the lightest tundra style tailwheels on the market. Their sleek, aerodynamic appearance is further enhanced by the elimination of the unsightly steering link tensioners and rudder horn. Removing this traditional steering system also reduces weight and system maintenance. Pilots who have tried the Tundra Lite say that it is the smoothest and the most easily controlled tailwheel that they have ever used.
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The Tundra Tailwheel enhances ground handling and minimizes over-steering during landing. It operates as a full castering system, lacking traditional steering components like rudder linkage; instead, it trails the aircraft. An internal, adjustable tensioning system eliminates shimmy, ensuring silky-smooth and easily controllable turns without the need for breakout force. Steering during taxiing and landing is achieved through individual brake inputs, while takeoff only requires rudder input for directional control.
The Tundra Lockable variant includes a manual locking mechanism for straight ground tracking during takeoff and landing. Brake adjustments are possible even with the tailwheel locked. During takeoff, a slight rudder input counters the P-factor, similar to a nosewheel aircraft, making the transition quick for pilots unfamiliar with tailwheel aircraft. Seasoned taildragger pilots benefit from the lock when landing off-airport on uneven surfaces or in strong crosswind conditions. However, locking is optional for takeoff or landing; and can be controlled from the cockpit.