Gust Lock?

[Rustler]

Not the best photo, but you should be able to get the idea.

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Gust.jpg

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[Rustler]

OK. Here are better pics and a re-engineered gust lock.

I reduced the size of the phenolic pieces to 3" square, removed the bolt and used a piece of 3/32" woven cable, and attached a collar that has a hex nut in it. The hex nut is not a good solution, so I'll change to a wing nut when I get time. This may necessitate a slightly larger cable. The other end has a cable stop crimped (hammered) on.

 

 

Gust lock applied to the elevator.

 

Gust lock on the aileron.

 

I have observed that, regardless of how hard the wind blows, as soon as the movable control surface is physically attached to an immovable one, the entire area acts as one. It takes almost no significant pressure to immobilize the surfaces. The cable seems to work as well as the bolt; it will also go into smaller spaces. A loop on the unattached end would make tightening easier\, and that is easy to do.

Works for me. Also, I think this qualifies as a CB project.

[bonal]

Looks functional, my sliced hose solution does the same thing for the ailerons at least I don't use them anymore since I'm indoors now 

[brad]

I bought a used York Gust Lock from a friend selling his Piper.  It works great.  They are online, but not cheap.

[Skates97]

Two bungee cords from the right rudder pedals to the right yoke and a smaller one between both yokes. Easy to install/remove.

[75_M20F]

On Friday, February 12, 2016 at 6:27 PM, Rustler said:

OK. Here are better pics and a re-engineered gust lock.

I reduced the size of the phenolic pieces to 3" square, removed the bolt and used a piece of 3/32" woven cable, and attached a collar that has a hex nut in it. The hex nut is not a good solution, so I'll change to a wing nut when I get time. This may necessitate a slightly larger cable. The other end has a cable stop crimped (hammered) on.

 

 

Gust lock applied to the elevator.

 

Gust lock on the aileron.

 

I have observed that, regardless of how hard the wind blows, as soon as the movable control surface is physically attached to an immovable one, the entire area acts as one. It takes almost no significant pressure to immobilize the surfaces. The cable seems to work as well as the bolt; it will also go into smaller spaces. A loop on the unattached end would make tightening easier\, and that is easy to do.

Works for me. Also, I think this qualifies as a CB project.

Those probably serve their purpose well.

I personally prefer just using the seatbelt. Makes it impossible to forget removing the gust lock because you can't  sit down until you "remove it".

Physical locks like those you have concern  me, if you don't remove them for whatever reason  and takeoff, it's over. 

It brings back a memory of someone I once knew. A great guy, great pilot, careful and professional. Well, somehow he got in a rush on a Baron and left a control lock installed. It was over before he could figure out what was wrong.

 

 

[carusoam]

Enough people around here have taxi experience while still being tied down... 

Don't rush...

Best regards,

-a-

Edited March 18, 2017 by carusoam