Tie Down Techniques in Windy Conditions

gellisor · #1 01-25-2009, 09:09 PM

Just curious how some of you block the rudder from moving in the wind. Since there are only cables between the pedals and the rudder, there must be pressure on both pedals, or a block on the rudder assembly.

I have tried several methods, but wonder how others approach this. Open to suggestions! Thanks.

So you won't have to check the poster's profile, looks like he has a -9A. S. Buchanan

gellisor · #2 01-25-2009, 10:15 PM

Sorry about that. Yes, it is a 9A. Thanks, gellisor.

flyer46 · #3 01-25-2009, 11:18 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgBb7kgfH1c

Shows what I use at the beginning of the video, and better views about 1:30 into the flick.

plehrke · #4 01-26-2009, 04:45 AM

On my RV-6A I made several attempts to build a pvc rudder lock that jams between the rudder pedals an the front of the spar. I even made an extendable version using a pole I bought from Lowe's Aviation. Never was satisfied with the stiffness of any of the versions and thought that if it was really gusty outside the rudder would eventually wiggle loose. Reluctantly I bought a York Gust Loc from Aircraft Spruce. I do not like it as it is clumsy to put in place, weighs about 3 lbs, and talks up baggage space (not to mention the $200 cost). Once installed it works great. I also like it because it is inside the plane and you can not take off with it installed.

Not a good answer to your question but more info for you to consider.

Ted RV8 · #5 01-26-2009, 09:17 AM

John

Is that something you made up? Could you give us some details so one could be made.

Thanks

Ted

Greg Arehart · #6 01-26-2009, 09:47 AM

John,

When I click that link, I get an interview with Van on the 12 and didn't see a gust lock...

What I did was drill a hole in each of the rudder stops and two holes (one each side) in the bottom of the rudder (can't remember the part number, but the 3/4 x 3/4 x 1/8 thick angle), bent a couple of pieces of 1/8" wire into "u" shapes, and insert the wires into the holes. The wires have about 6 inches on the sides of the U, and obviously they have to be bent to fit your installation tightly.

greg

Ted RV8 · #7 01-26-2009, 12:07 PM

Greg

Yes it is an interview with Van with the RV12.

If you look at the video again you will see a gust lock in the first few seconds when they are viewing the plane. It is seen again at about the 1:30 point.

It is a gust lock that looks like maybe it's PVC tubing with foam pipe insulation on it. It wraps around the rudder and vertical stab keeping them in alignment. Not sure of details on the construction of it which is why I asked John to elaberate on it.

Ted

N523RV · #8 01-26-2009, 02:35 PM

Simple... drill a hole in the rudder stop and another one in the rudder brace. Bend up a piece of steel rod in the shape of a large U. One end goes in each hole. Works great... don't forget to put a "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT" flag on it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gellisor

Just curious how some of you block the rudder from moving in the wind. Since there are only cables between the pedals and the rudder, there must be pressure on both pedals, or a block on the rudder assembly.

I have tried several methods, but wonder how others approach this. Open to suggestions! Thanks.

So you won't have to check the poster's profile, looks like he has a -9A. S. Buchanan

N941WR · #9 01-26-2009, 02:39 PM

I just make sure the tail wheel is straight and locked. Then the tail wheel chains holds the rudder in place. No issues at all.

Oh, you are talking about the -9A...

Do the gust lock upside down U pin with a "Remove Before Flight" flag, as Matthew suggested. I've seen some people have a third rod welded in the bottom of the U so it looks like a fork. The center prong is for the RBF flag.

flyer46 · #10 01-26-2009, 03:04 PM

I just made it out of PVC pipe, some pipe insulation foam, and parachute cord with a foot or so of 3/8 rubber hose at the front and back to keep the parachute cord from marring the paint. (hose goes inside the pipe at the front and back). I also use one of those "tent tiedown" cord holders to hold the cord tight. I keep in in the back of the 9 as it only weighs about 1.5 pounds. If it is especially windy, I use one more short section of parachute cord to keep it from sliding up. It works OK for me, but I probably would do something else if your bird is outside all the time on a tiedown. I only use it for overnight when on cross-country.