Gust locks (control locks)

[LA F2 Flyer]

As I get much closer to trailering my plane, it's become time to think about gust locks for transport. I've seen a few varieties of gust lock, ranging from small plastic plates that clamp the two surfaces over a small footprint to larger wooden "clamps" lined with carpet.

Neither option appeals to me; the small plastic plate wouldn't work well with the somewhat delicate frame of the Badland control surfaces...I have a feeling it would distort the tube rather than prevent control surface movement.

Smallgustlock.JPG (7.9 KiB) Viewed 41 times

The wooden clamp seemed like an ideal way to promote hangar rash. I also didn't like the idea needing tools to afix the gust lock, or of a wing nut unspinning itself during transport and the entire assembly disappearing.

Woodgustlock.JPG (9.46 KiB) Viewed 41 times

I opted to use (largely) parts I had laying around the garage (or the house). I had purchased a bunch of pool noodles for another project, and I also had several already on hand because we have access to a pool. I discovered that they had differing inner diameters, and the smaller of the two fits the 1/2" PVC nice and snug.

I also had some leftover PVC pipe and fittings from redoing my sprinkler system years ago. Finally, I had some small hobby plywood I had used to make my radio mount for my instrument panel. All I needed was some PTO pins. Harbor Freight sells an assortment for under $10, so I grabbed a box.

The hobby plywood will slip over the end of the gust lock and the PTO pins will hold it into place. It may not be the most elegant solution, but it should be effective while also being gentle on the control surfaces. Time will tell.

Thoughts, feedback and design suggestions are appreciated. I will still need to add an extension and flag to one of the gust locks, since the plane hangs off the end of the trailer about three feet. More to come!

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

I agree that the short gust locks may damage the plane. There's simply not enough material in between the fabric to really take any strain? I'm guessing on that, but like you, I'd rather be safe with something larger than sorry because something gets damaged. How long do you think the gust locks need to be? I like the PVC and noodle idea, but I've used the noodle's on my travel trailer on the outside. They don't do well in the summer sun. The sun makes them very brittle, and they easily crumble. This wouldn't be so much of an issue, because putting them on and off the plane, one would realize they need to be replaced. However, that may get to be bothersome if they need to be changed out fairly often (thinking several times a year). I wonder if the rubber style of insulation that is used on water pipes might work better and last longer?

Todd

[broughtonkicks]

Great idea. I have 2x4s covered in carpet that are connected via bolts and wing nuts.
I like your option better. They will certainly be lighter and more convenient than mine.

Thanks for sharing this.

~Barry

[LA F2 Flyer]

Thanks for the feedback folks! The first one is pretty much done. I am extending it from one end of the control surface to the other. Todd, they will be stored inside when not in use, so I am hoping to get at least a year out of them. Also, the Dollar Store carries them, so replacing them will be easy enough.

So far it is proving quite easy to "install". We will see!

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

Thanks for the feedback folks! The first on is pretty much done. I am extending it from one end of the control surface to the other. Todd, they will be stored inside when not in use, so I am hoping to get at least a year out of them. Also, the Dollar Store carries them, so replacing them will be easy enough.

So far it is proving quite easy to "install". We will see!

Gustlock_elev_front.jpg

I like it and certainly looks like it'll work better than those commercial ones without damaging the flight surface! Nice!

Todd

[LA F2 Flyer]

I am thinking they will work fine. My only concern is the amount of flex in PVC...but I don't think there will be enough to do any harm.

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

I am thinking they will work fine. My only concern is the amount of flex in PVC...but I don't think there will be enough to do any harm.

To help reduce most of the flex, get yourself a can of insulation spray foam and shoot it down the pipes. It'll expand to the other end. Cut off the mess at the other end and viola, the tube will be stiffer and still be lightweight.

Todd

[LA F2 Flyer]

Oh, that is a very good idea. Thanks for that!