Control/gust locks

[Adam Howell]

Hi All
I was wondering if anyone has any advice on what the best control locks are? for aileron and rudder and is it possiable to lock the all flying tail?


Thanks
Adam
VH-GXW
 

[Johan van Ravenzwaaij]

Hi Adam,

Could you explain the situation more? Do you want to replace the standard connections?

[gill]

Hi Adam

do you mean for ground handling? at our club we use wooden 'frame' that slips over the tail fin on the puchacz's and capstan, i suppose you could use something similar for ailerons? am going out to club later, will try and get photo if it will help?

Gill

[Adam Howell]

Hi All
I want to lock the rudder and ailerons while the aircraft is rigged in the hanger or tied down near the launch point.
ie to stop the rudder being blown  by the wind


Thanks
Adam

[Johan van Ravenzwaaij]

Aaah!

I have seen for K-13 and K-8, that they use a bent PVC pipe (normally used for electrical wiring) for fixating the rudder. This should work for 15's too. You can fixate the elevator with your seatbelt pulled over the stick; left shouder belt clicked in right hip. (I don't know if this is a good idea to do over a longer period of time..) The ailerons are easy to fixate with "clamps" made of small metal (aluminium) plates bent in a v-shape and covered with some carpet to protect your finish.

[gill]

didn't get photo today, but found one in my files, you have to remember to get this removed before you take off 

[gill]

oops, told you i was no use with computers........

[Adam Howell]

Thanks Johan and Gill

Johan could you please explain how the pvc ones work if you know?

Thanks
Adam

[Johan van Ravenzwaaij]

You buy twice the length your rudder (at the height of your elevator) of this: http://shop.chapmanelectric.com/pvc-pipe-p-867-l-en.html
Ask a friendy electrician to bend it with some bending equipment  180 degrees (or heat it and do it your self) halfway the pipe. Tape the loose ends together. Ready! To protect your finish you can cover the tube with some soft tape or pipe isolation.

[Adam Howell]

Thanks Johan

[gill]

Like that idea, was going to have to make rudder lock, think will be using this one, thanks