The RV Rocket Steering Link was invented by Terry Jantzi, an award-winning RV-6 builder. It will fit the RV-4, RV-6, RV-7, RV-8, RV-9, RV-14, Harmon Rocket II, and the F1 Rocket.
No modifications are required and all of the hardware is included. You get everything necessary for quick installation: steering link, control arm, and rod ends. This item now ships standard with a Tie-down control arm, giving you a handy place to tie down your tail.
The RV Rocket Steering Link is a good way to tidy up the tail end of your aircraft. It weighs less and it is a simple way to replace those draggy-looking chains and springs.
Is it a speed modification? It sure looks like one!
How can I tell if I have the stock Vans tailspring and full locking tailwheel?
If your tailwheel pivots 360 degrees, you have a full swivel tailwheel. If your tailwheel locks and unlocks then you have a locking tailwheel. If your tailwheel assembly looks like a Van’s assembly and the vertical shaft is 7/8 inches in diameter you probably have a Vans unit.
What if my vertical shaft diameter is 3/4 inches?
Some of the older RV-4 or RV-6 kits were converted from a non-swivel tailwheel and an Aviation Products tailwheel was used. The tailwheel assembly will look like the Vans product but the vertical shaft diameter is 3/4 inches. We do have control arms available that will fit the Aviation Products tailwheel. Order those items here. If you need the API control arm, you can select “No control arm” on this item and then add the API arm to your cart separately.
Is there any measurement I can take to assure the RV Rocket Steering Link will fit my aircraft?
Measure the distance from the center of the hole in the rudder horn (the aft hole) to the center of the hole in the steering arm while the rudder and tailwheel are in trail. If you have a measurement between 13 and 13-1/2 inches then the standard size Steering Link will fit.
What does it mean if the measurement is not between 13 and 13-1/2 inches?
It means your kit has been modified. The older RV4 and RV6 kits came with a non-swivel tailwheel. Some of these kits were modified to take a full swivel locking tailwheel. In the modification process, the tail spring was cut. In most of the cases I have seen on these modified units, the distance between rudder horn and control arm can be as short as 12 1/4 inches as much as 14 1/4 inches. In these cases, we may be able to work with you to get a special size made or make recommendations for making the standard size work. Please contact us for more information.
Why would I order with no control arm?
If you already have a single-sided control arm for whatever reason, if you are ordering this link along with a tailwheel mounting kit (which includes a control arm), or if you’re ordering an API control arm separately, you can order this link without the arm included. We do not recommend that you use an existing double-sided control arm with this product. The Steering Link control arm features a twist in the arm by design, which you would not have if using a standard double-sided arm.
jeff –
Must have for the RV8
Beats the heck outa the old springs back there
Patrick P. –
Excellent product, simple to install.
Keith V. –
This mod greatly improves ground handling, making it more positive, direct and lively, without impairing use of the rudder. The added benefit is that it cleans up the tail wheel area and eliminates the chains
Peter G. –
The links works very well. It has just the right tension vs the chains were always too loose or tight.
Jeff B. –
Very pleased with the service and product!
George F. –
i should have bought this two years ago. Hands down the best value added item that makes a difference in your aircraft for the money.
David H. –
great service, delivered as advised and informed all the way, helpful advice on exactly what to order and kits delivered as promised, fitting dead easy, quality finish
Dru F. –
Great quality, exactly as advertised.
Robert T. –
Great service and products !!!
John R. –
Works beautifully, steering is precise without being overly sensitive. Installation was straightforward with no ugly surprises.
Robb B. –
Awesome products easy install of the new tailwheel and steering rod. Great guys to deal with and really helpful. Nice to get rid of the Vans tailwheel
SCOTT –
Very commons sense approach
Edward N. –
Installation was simple, steering is much more positive and responsive now. I don’t know why I didn’t install this a long time ago!
George J. –
Much tighter feel than original design
Guido p. –
Fast and precise
Mischa D. –
Great product
John G. –
Love this steering link. On the ground, the response is very positive. Tail wheel kicks out just as the rudder horn meets the stops (both directions). Last of all it just looks sexy!
Gary K. –
I had a Rocket Steering Arm that experienced an internal failure. FlyBoys had a replacement in the mail the same day that I talked to them. Received it in two days. Flyboy’s customer service is outstanding. They are my go to provider for my RV needs.
AzAero –
Great product, cleaner look than chain and springs. A little more positive steering feel without being overly sensitive. Great customer service from Flyboys, my Rv4 required a custom length and Blake took care of me. Thx!
Dustin H. –
Have one on my RV3B and RV6.
Immediately notice a nicer steering feel.
Simple, elegant looks. Easy install.
Really nice upgrade!
John A. –
Great product and great people to deal with.
Greg C. –
Just put this on my RV4. Easy installation and looks great. More authority on ground handling also.
Jason H. –
Easy to install. Very responsive steering compared to my chains. Very clean, sharp look as well.
Carlos R. –
I usually do all my landings 3 point but wanted to check the control difference with the Rocket Steering Link so I did a couple wheel landings and it was a delight.
Those who know me know that I hardly recommend anyone or anything so when you hear me making a recommendation then you know it’s from the heart.
Robert B. –
I like it!
Thomas T. –
i replaced the loos chains with this link. Was quick and easy and the control on my RV8 is sharp and precise. Love this upgrade! Looks better too.
Walter I. –
Everything needed to install was included in the kit. Just a few measurements and easy install then flying.
Alan C. –
My last rocket rod lasted 8 years before the rod failed. No problems, it takes a lot of abuse back there. New one doing great.