Rudder Gust Lock

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mcooper » Thu Jun 19, 2014 7:19 pm

I know this topic had come up several times over the years, but it doesn't look like its been discussed recently.

What are people using for rudder gust locks these days?

I have been using two padded strips of 1/4" plywood with a bolt at each end that go across both the rudder and vertical stabilizer. However, it doesn't secure the rudder very well and in the last wind storm it slipped and the bolt started rubbing on the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer.

What are folks' thoughts on gust locks like this? http://www.skygeek.com/airgizmos-univer ... locks.html
It seems like in a strong wind this could damage the rudder or stabilizer or both.

I'm curious about what works for all of you!

Thanks,
Matt
Fairbanks, AK
N89173

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carcreationz » Thu Jun 19, 2014 10:10 pm

The helicopters flying parallel to the runway were wreaking havoc on my rudder so I brought some 1/2" pvc pipe and fittings to the airport and made a long slender rectangle that fits snugly over my rudder. It is easy to install and remove and it works great.

Keith N140RS

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JC140 » Fri Jun 20, 2014 12:53 pm

I managed to find an original Cessna control lock for the 140's (see the parts manual). It basically locks the rudder pedals and control yoke in place. and work perfect. I have seen people duplicate this somewhat with PVC pipe from both rudder pedals to just in front of the seat pans. It seems to work pretty well.

Found this photo of an original (haven't been down to take a picture of mine installed)...

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John Kliewer » Fri Jun 20, 2014 4:04 pm

If a gust lock were a frequent need of mine I would be finding a way to lock controls externally at the flight control themselves like carcreationz did. IMHO using an internal lock such as the one pictured or worse yet a seatbelt around the yoke like I do presently is inadequate for elevator and ailerons in frequent high wind conditions because cables can be stretched and pulleys unevenly worn by continuously changing tensions over long periods of time along cable drives to lock the controls. Locking controls externally prevents any tension along the cable drives.

John Kliewer
N76446
"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler." Albert Einstein

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JC » Fri Jun 20, 2014 4:41 pm

Before I got a hanger and my plane was tied down outside, I fabricated one similar to this. http://www.aerotrek.aero/aerotrek-tips/gustlock1m.jpg
It's just PVC pipe covered with pipe insulation. The PVC pipe is flexible enough that you can just stretch it to slip over the rudder and stabilizer. Worked great and only cost a few bucks. Not real handy for traveling however and I only used it at my home field.

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AmazonJet » Fri Jun 20, 2014 5:07 pm

I have the AirGizmo gust lock listed above. It has worked well for me. My plane is usually hangared so it has not been tested in a sever storm or such.

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N81L » Sat Jun 21, 2014 1:53 am

Hi Matt,

Is this for a long-term outdoor tie-down, or more of a travel gust lock? I agree with John that an external lock is probably the best for an outdoor tie-down. I'm in a hangar, but as JC140 mentioned I made up a PVC pipe "T" that fits in the floor pan and locks the rudder pedals. Works great on a trip, but I wouldn't use it long term.

Dean DeRosia
1946 C-140 N81L
Glendale, AZ KDVT

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Brandon » Sun Jun 22, 2014 10:24 pm

http://www.wildblueinnovations.com/default.html

A friend of mine designed and builds these for the rv series. We plan to make some up for the 120, but haven't gotten there yet. It's not your typical gust lock because it actually unloads the control surface as the wind blows on it.

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mcooper » Tue Jul 15, 2014 3:52 am

Thanks everyone for all the ideas. I needed an external lock because I have an outside tie down spot that is pretty exposed.

I decided to use 1/2" PVC with pipe insulation, and it works great. We had a 30+ knot quartering tailwind today and the rudder was barely moving. I will try to post a picture of what I rigged up.

Thanks!
Matt

Matt Cooper
N89173