Control Lock

[aerobat95]

Hey guys, quick question for you.  How do you guys secure the controls of your aircraft if it is going to remain outside for a few hours if there are windy conditions?  In Cessnas there is the control wheel lock that you can put in....

-Ray

[tony]

Ray,  I know this is a bit pricey but this is what I use

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/yorkgustlok.php

 

 

[acronut]

I've just tied the yoke back and over with the seatbelt...  It acomplished the same thing as the yoke lock but it doesn't help the rudder like the other contraption in the link above.  Mooney rudder doesn't deflect very easy on the ground with the nosewheel on the ground though from what I remember.

[aerobat95]

Thanks for the info.  I was out at my plane today and noticed that the ailerons seemed to turn to the left but what I cant remember is if there was any wind that my have been putting a load on them.  I am a little concerned that something may have gotten out of whack because the day I brought the plane home there was a significant amout of gusty wind.  I want to say it was in the neighborhood of 26 gusting to 34.  I am going to have to go out tomorrow to take a better look.  If it isnt the wind that was doing this any idea what it might be?

[aerobat95]

if you go to my gallery you cant see what I am talking about.....

[takair]

Quote: aerobat95

Thanks for the info.  I was out at my plane today and noticed that the ailerons seemed to turn to the left but what I cant remember is if there was any wind that my have been putting a load on them.  I am a little concerned that something may have gotten out of whack because the day I brought the plane home there was a significant amout of gusty wind.  I want to say it was in the neighborhood of 26 gusting to 34.  I am going to have to go out tomorrow to take a better look.  If it isnt the wind that was doing this any idea what it might be?

[docket]

I bought a gust lock from Air Gizmos -- works great.

[scottfromiowa]

I don't worry about the rudder.  Doesn't move much.  I have a soft (dipped in rubber) (large Hooks) short bungee that I further knotted.  It keeps the aileron's neutral.  Works well and easy to put on/off.  No worries about damaging yokes.  Elevator doesn't move much either...so I haven't worried about it.

[peter]

Quote: acronut

I've just tied the yoke back and over with the seatbelt... 

[Piloto]

If your front seats have headrests just move them forward and lean the back all the way forward to insert the headrest into the yoke. Works very well and it is free.

José  

[Immelman]

For a lock, I use an adjustable bungee cord and just snug it up from one yoke to another. This keeps the ailerons steady even in high winds. I also lock the elevators via a second bungee draped over the pilot's side yoke and each end is fastened to the bottom of the pilot's seat (on the horizontal bar you pull to slide the seat). However, the most important thing is the ailerons.. they can slam around pretty easy. I have not seen the elevators move much at all even in high winds.

[aerobat95]

Thanks guys for all the good suggestions....I really appreciate it.  I am hoping a can get a quick flight in sometime tomorrow...the weather should be good for some T&G work....