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Ideas for an older car for flat towing?
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Chad, like Tom, we’ve had no problem staying cool in our softtop Wrangler.
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I don’t understand something. I’m awfully confused.
Why would have a pilot have to take a checkride with the FAA when he landed on a highway due to an emergency?
I didn’t have to. I think this guy is being taken for an administrative ride.
If he didn’t run it into the ditch or hit a car or rip the gear out from underneath it … what’s the big deal? Its just like landing on a really, really narrow runway.
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No rules were broken by landing on the highway.
There is no Federal Aviation Regulation that says that you can’t land on a road/highway.
Why you landed on a road/highway could, and I’m sure would be questioned, but in the case of an emergency the rule book pretty much gives the pilot a blank check.
His judgement may be questioned here but I would see no reason, from my point of view, to question his piloting abilities. I, again from what I know of this incident, don’t see calling for a 44709 ride. Even if the airplane had been significantly damaged it wouldn’t have necessarily been a cause to question his piloting ability. Sometimes your best option in emergency situation ends up with a bent airplane and even injuries.
FAA Inspectors are human beings. Sometimes they make good decisions and sometimes they make decisions that could, and should, be questioned and the system provides ways and means of doing that.
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Here are 2 links your buddy taking the 709 will be interedted in:
i have a buddy that has twice had to land on hwys, and didn’t have to take a 709.
1984 96" with 8V92TA
(remodeled Liberty Coach)
Greenwood, MO -
I followed up with John today to let him know I found out that the pilot already took the 709 ride with no issues. Still think it was dumb to require it.
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One more thing on this subject and I’m done.
We have to understand that an Airman Certificate, like a Drivers License is not owned by the holder, it belongs to the agency that issued it. In the case of an Airman Certificate the FAA and the FAA is held responsible for that certification by the courts and can be subject to lawsiuts. Sometimes a 709 ride is required as a CYA move by the FAA for liability reasons. If a person had an accident or serious incident and was not checked sufficiently, depending on the type of accident or incident, and had another event where someone was hurt or killed the FAA could be subject to litigation for letting a flawed pilot remain certificated. Very similar to a product liability situation.
We’ve all pretty much picked this incident apart and I don’t recall any discussion as to why that engine quit. We do know that an engine requires three things to run assuming no catastrophic failures of the engine or necessary accessories. That’s fuel, air, and ignition. We also know, as I understand it, that the engine was cranked and it ran normally after it was back at the airport sitting level on the ramp. Draw your own conclusions.
Just maybe in the 709 ride the FAA had two objectives . Maybe a CYA move and a chance to take a look at judgement and aeronautical decision making rather than stick and rudder skills which, from the videos, looked pretty good to me. Think on it.
As I said, I’m done.
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The pilot in question sent me a message this afternoon. We’ve never met in person, so I know him about as well as I know most of you. He said he was inspired to get a Twin Bonanza by our mutual friend, who was inspired by me. Therefore, he said, it’s my fault he landed on the highway. Small world.
So, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the flat towing issue. I know a little about driveline disconnects, and don’t want to crawl under something whenever I need to tow it or drive it. It sounds like many older cars can be towed in neutral without transmission damage, but a lot of newer cars need some sort of oil pump installed. Has anyone found a good reference for determining if an older car can be flat towed? Or are there certain clues/features/options I should look for that will cause me grief? I’d still love to get just one car if I can manage it.
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Chad, I have a driveshaft disconnect on the 50 Ford just to be sure the transmission is not harmed (a 5 speed Tremec) and it is easily engaged and disengaged from the driver’s seat.
If you like a car with rear wheel drive it can easily be fitted with a disconnect. The worst that might happen trying to engage or disengage the driveshaft is you might break a fingernail.
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Chad I also installed a driveline disconnect (given to me by Dan Young on this forum) on GMC van. Didn’t have the bracket/cable assy but takes all of 30 seconds to slide partially under van reach up and slide collar. As easy as this is I wouldn’t bother with the shift cable for it if I had it.
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We’ve been towing our rwd 07 Toyota FJ Cruiser w/automatic trans four down since June of 2010. Remco coupler & Shifter. No pump is necessary. You DO need the leave a key in the ignition so the steering wheel doesn’t lock.
205K on the FJ and not showing its age at all. Great vehicle.
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Okay, I guess I know nothing about driveline disconnects. I thought you had to spend a few minutes under the toad to connect or disconnect. Most any car I look at is RWD. I’ll read up on driveline disconnects a bit.
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After seeing signs of the onset of analysis paralysis, I brought this home from Ohio early this morning. Ran like a dream for 850 miles. Everything works but the clock. Now, can I tow it?
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If it is rear drive I believe https://www.remcodsc.com has a driveshaft disconnect kit for it,
If it is front wheel drive you might consider a transmission pump http://www.remcoindustries.com/product-pages/towing/
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Beautiful!!!
I have a drive line disconnect on my GMC Jimmy and love it. Very easy to use.
Now, you’re putting the pressure on me to put a base plate on my Caddy Limo. I can’t think of towing anything cooler than these vintage Caddys!
Except maybe a vintage Rolls.
Could happen, but probably more likely in a trailer.
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I think I mentioned it previously, but an interesting vintage car as a toad makes the bus invisible. Usually the bus is what people notice until the toad is one that gets people’s eyes.
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