Looking for the perfect lightweight folding step ladder for the 201 wing to protect the flaps

[Sue Bon]

6 hours ago, bradp said:

I recently had a family member who’s not too mobile do a trip with me.  As long as the person can physically fit in the space between the leading edge and the door, this was the most comfortable entry and exit method for her. Sit on leading edge, pivot legs into plane and shift onto seat.  On the way down we had the front seat out and it was very roomy / easy.  On the way back the front seat remained in, and it was still easy.  Exit is sit on the wing and rotate, leg legs fall in front of the leading edge and slide out from door. 

I've flown with a friend of mine that's in a wheelchair. He has full use of his upper body and partial use of one leg. He manoeuvred himself from his wheelchair onto the wing (flaps side - maybe we'll use leading edge next time), used his semi-good leg to hook under the disabled leg and swung both legs onto the wing, then scooched himself into the passenger seat backwards. Reverse for disembarking. It worked perfectly. He got in and out better any of my overweight passengers.

[Pinecone]

Hmm, one of those might work to get my Dad in my Mooney.

But I afraid that he won't be able to get back out.

 

[WaynePierce]

My wife and I fly with our elderly German Shepherd that can no longer make the  jump up to the wing. We bought a portable ramp she can no walk up. The ramp is lightweight and reduces in size to about half or a little over 2 feet. I can store it in the back with the seats folded down. The walking portion is covered with a non skid, almost sand paper like substance to prevent slipping. I also lower the flaps to take-off position so the ramp end is setting on the no slip on the wing rather that any weight on the flaps. This might be something to look in to...

[Fly Boomer]

On 10/12/2022 at 10:52 AM, Targhee said:

I’m looking for the perfect lightweight folding step ladder with a U turn at the top and rubber feet that rest on the wing for a perfect fit.

Check this one.  Much shallower angle than most.

https://www.amazon.com/WeatherTech-PetRamp-High-Traction-Foldable-Ramp/dp/B0876DR3LZ/ref=sr_1_51?keywords=portable%2Bdog%2Bramp&qid=1666473737&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjY5IiwicXNhIjoiNS4yOSIsInFzcCI6IjQuNTQifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-51&th=1

[Targhee]

Ok folks….  Mission accomplished!   I found a plastic folding stepladder at Lowes (300lb rating) and made the following enhancements to achieve my stated goal…. No feet will ever come into contact with my flaps again!  It also folds up and stores nicely in the baggage area.  Thanks for everyone’s help on this project.

 

 

[Marauder]

Ok folks….  Mission accomplished!   I found a plastic folding stepladder at Lowes (300lb rating) and made the following enhancements to achieve my stated goal…. No feet will ever come into contact with my flaps again!  It also folds up and stores nicely in the baggage area.  Thanks for everyone’s help on this project.
 
 

Nice solution.

Now you need to solve the next challenge. How do you get by the extra large individual standing on the wing walk waiting to sit in the co-pilot seat without stepping on the wing yourself after you stowed and closed the baggage door?


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[Targhee]

Easy…. I remove the co-pilot seat so they have a large area to enter the plane by having them sit on the right rear seat.  Also, infinite leg room.  That way they can get in first and I can stow the step, lock the baggage door and get in the plane.

[toto]

9 minutes ago, Targhee said:

Easy…. I remove the co-pilot seat so they have a large area to enter the plane by having them sit on the right rear seat.  Also, infinite leg room.  That way they can get in first and I can stow the step, lock the baggage door and get in the plane.

Do you ever have CG problems with passengers in the back and a missing front seat?

Is there a standard way to do this per the flight manual, or does this require a log entry and a new W&B ?

[Pinecone]

I would just weigh the seat, and subtract that from the Pilot weight.

Not sure if that would be legal.

[Targhee]

Actually, for all the Angel Flights I have the patient sit in the back seat.  It let’s me get them in the plane first and then button everything up before I get in.  

[EricJ]

That single-shear joint on a thin piece of plastic doesn't look safe to me.  

 

[philiplane]

https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Slip-Aluminum-Portable-Lightweight-Multi-Use/dp/B08TBTNJNB/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2XPNGFZLYCHF7&keywords=2+Step+Ladder+Folding+Step+Stool+with+Anti-Slip+Sturdy+and+Wide+Pedal%2C+Aluminum+Portable+Lightweight+Step+Stool+for+Adults+Multi-Use+for+Home+and+Kitchen%2C+Black%2C+330+lbs&qid=1666569618&s=hi&sprefix=2+step+ladder+folding+step+stool+with+anti-slip+sturdy+and+wide+pedal%2C+aluminum+portable+lightweight+step+stool+for+adults+multi-use+for+home+and+kitchen%2C+black%2C+330+lbs%2Ctools%2C103&sr=1-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc

 

Works great, very sturdy, wide steps, and the right height.

[Targhee]

So, you can’t really see it in those pictures, but there are 4 small blocks of wood between two layers of plastic with four 3/4” bolts going all the way through.  Tested the plank extension with a 350lb load and it held perfectly.

Also, the problem with that stool in the above link is that it doesn’t protect the flaps.  The user still has to step over the flap.  Nothing is preventing someone from making contact with the flap.  Bridging that gap was the goal of my project.

[Fly Boomer]

8 hours ago, Targhee said:

So, you can’t really see it in those pictures, but there are 4 small blocks of wood between two layers of plastic with four 3/4” bolts going all the way through.  Tested the plank extension with a 350lb load and it held perfectly.

Also, the problem with that stool in the above link is that it doesn’t protect the flaps.  The user still has to step over the flap.  Nothing is preventing someone from making contact with the flap.  Bridging that gap was the goal of my project.

@EricJ can certainly speak for himself, but what I thought he was suggesting is that the aluminum stool may be stronger than plastic where your fasteners connect the "bridge" to the stool.  I would add that the aluminum stool appears to have wider steps -- always a good thing for unsteady feet.