[Rick Erwin]

Since the bracket for the "DEPRESS AIRPLANE NOSE WHEN TOWING" placard doesn't appear to be in the parts manual, this is for any DIYers wanting to make their own.

Here are the dimensions:

Stock - 0.75" x 4.625" x 0.0435"

The 90-degree bend occurs at 2.125" on the leg with the mounting hole in it.

The mounting hole diameter is 0.325" and is centered 0.3875" from the end.

The front face on which the placard mounts is 2.325" wide by 0.75" high.
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I went on a search for why this placard exists. Like OhioSkymaster and MD83driver, I couldn't find anything in the Parts Manual about it. I couldn't find anything in the Airplane Flight Manual about it either. There is a Caution statement in Section 2-General Handling-Towing that only states: "Depress nose of aircraft when towing." No explanation beyond that.

I discussed this with my IA, who believes it is related to a self-centering mechanism that centers the nose gear prior to retraction to prevent damage during retraction. He said if the oleo strut on the nose gear is extended to the point it has locked into the self-centered position, and the nose gear is then turned, the nose gear linkage would be damaged. Makes sense.

Rick