Aircraft Inner Tube Sizes and Best Practices
Most early-design aircraft tires and nearly all general aviation tires require inner tubes that generally share the same designation as the tire, such as 5.00-5 and 6.00-6. However, there are exceptions where manufacturers produce a tube that fits multiple tire sizes, especially if those tire sizes are very close to each other. For instance, the 5.00-5 tube can be used in both the 5.00-5 tire and the 15×6.00-5 tire.
Some aircraft tires are designated in both imperial and metric measurements. The 15×6.00-5 tire is also known as the 380×150-5, meaning the 5.00-5 tube can fit the 15×6.00-5, 380×150-5, and 5.00-5 tires.
Inner tubes should be treated as consumable products, similar to oil filters during an oil change. It is recommended that whenever a tire is changed, a new tube should be used. Inner tubes can stretch up to 20% in service, thinning the tube wall. Using a stretched tube in a smaller tire can cause wrinkles, leading to pressure loss from splits or pinches.
Tubes also vary by valve design, with TR designations such as the 6.00-6 tube available with either a straight TR20 valve or a TR67 valve with a 90º bend. While many tubes for early aircraft tires are now obsolete, alternative sizes can sometimes be used. Please contact us for specific information.
For more detailed information on valve types, please refer to the technical section.
Additionally, tubes not originally designed for aircraft use are available for glider or kit plane tires, such as 200×50 and 210×65. Please contact us for more information. We carry and manufacture a wide range of tubes for aircraft, helicopters, tailwheels, LSAs and more to support flight operations.
Accessories such as French chalk, valve caps, and cores are also available upon request.
