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Part # ABI-51599
ABI-PA18-1
PA-18 THREE LEAF TAILSPRING, 1 BOLT
$1,048.00 / was $1,310.00
Titanium Tailsprings For Piper PA-18 Super Cub
The ABI-51599 and ABI-51599-1 tailsprings are significantly lighter than steel, with superior shock absorption and elasticity for smoother landings across a wide range of conditions. Heat-treated for maximum strength and durability. Titanium's natural corrosion resistance eliminates the need for paint, reducing long-term maintenance costs. Can be painted if desired.
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| Make | Model | Start S/N | End S/N | Eligibility Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piper PA-18 | PA-18 | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18-105 (Special) | PA-18-105 (Special) | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18-125 (Army L-21A) | PA-18-125 (Army L-21A) | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18-135 (Army L-21B) | PA-18-135 (Army L-21B) | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18-150 | PA-18-150 | S/N 1809001 – 1809113 | 1809113 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18-150 | PA-18-150 | S/N 18-3771 – 18-8309025 | 18-8309025 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18A | PA-18A | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18A-135 | PA-18A-135 | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18A-150 | PA-18A-150 | S/N 18-3771 – 18-8309025 | 18-8309025 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18AS-125 | PA-18AS-125 | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18AS-135 | PA-18AS-135 | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18AS-150 | PA-18AS-150 | S/N 18-3771 – 18-8309025 | 18-8309025 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18S | PA-18S | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18S-105 (Special) | PA-18S-105 (Special) | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18S-125 | PA-18S-125 | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18S-135 | PA-18S-135 | S/N 18-1 – 18-7632 | 18-7632 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18S-150 | PA-18S-150 | S/N 1809001 – 1809113 | 1809113 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-18S-150 | PA-18S-150 | S/N 18-3771 – 18-8309025 | 18-8309025 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-19 (Army L-18C) | PA-19 (Army L-18C) | S/N 19-1 – 19-3 | 19-3 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
| Piper PA-19S | PA-19S | S/N 19-1 – 19-3 | 19-3 | Eligibility Chart 7842 |
What aircraft is the ABI titanium tailspring approved for?
The ABI-51599 and ABI-51599-1 titanium tailsprings are designed for certified Piper PA-18 Super Cub aircraft, FAA STC approved under SA02573AK.
What is the difference between ABI-51599 and ABI-51599-1?
ABI-51599 is the 2-bolt configuration and ABI-51599-1 is the 1-bolt configuration. Both are machined from the same 6AL-4V titanium and share identical performance characteristics. Choose based on your airframe's tailwheel attachment configuration.
What material is the ABI titanium tailspring made from?
It is machined from 6AL-4V titanium, the same alloy used widely in aerospace and high-performance structural applications. It is heat-treated for maximum strength and durability.
Why choose titanium over steel for a PA-18 tailspring?
The titanium tailspring is significantly lighter than the steel version, which improves aircraft performance and reduces empty weight. It also provides superior shock absorption and elasticity for smoother landings across a wider range of conditions. Titanium's natural corrosion resistance means no paint is required, reducing long-term maintenance costs, though it can be painted if desired.
Does the titanium tailspring require shorter bolts than the OEM steel spring?
Possibly. Because the titanium tailspring is thinner than a traditional steel tailspring, shorter AN bolts may be required for both the tailwheel-to-spring attachment and the spring-to-fuselage attachment. Always use a new locknut and verify at least 2 threads are visible above the locknut after torquing.
What are the torque specs for installing the ABI titanium tailspring?
Torque the AN7 bolt(s) securing the tailwheel assembly to the spring to 40 ft/lbs. For the three fuselage attachment bolts, torque the AN7 bolt to 40 ft/lbs and the AN4 bolts to 5 ft/lbs. Use new locknuts and confirm at least 2 threads protrude above each nut.
Does the titanium tailspring need to be painted?
No. Titanium's natural corrosion resistance eliminates the need for paint. However, it can be painted if preferred.
Does installing the ABI titanium tailspring require STC documentation for a certified PA-18?
Yes. The STC is SA02573AK, which covers both the titanium and steel tailspring part numbers. STC paperwork is available separately under part number SA02573AK.