The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

Hey gang. I've been working all of the airports in the KC area and have not been successful with finding a hangar. I'm on all the wait lists for the moment. The best I can find is a sort of carport style setup that would at least allow for a roof overhead to keep it out of direct sun and weather. Down side is, I have to commit to a 12 month term but I don't want to have to put the plane on an outside tie down so this is my best option.

The Super Viking I'm a partner of is in the same airport so I would at least have the ability to use that hangar for temp needs like doing work, etc.

I want to buy a cover to a least cover up the main cabin. My wings are metal so not concerned about fabric. Google searching shows several options. Does anyone have a preference or recommendation of a brand/source for a cover? Any other thoughts?

Thanks

Bruce's Custom Covers.
(Note: works with or without extenders! )

If you're going to store it outside, be sure to secure the rudder so it cannot bang against the stops. If you don't the rudder bell crank will get damaged. Also, loop the seat belts through the yokes to hold the elevator up and prevent the ailerons from flapping in the breeze. Tie down all three points. This isn't a Cherokee. It'll try to fly away on its own if allowed to.

I have a Bruce's cover that I'm very happy with.

6643 wrote: ↑Fri May 25, 2018 7:56 am Bruce's Custom Covers.
(Note: works with or without extenders! )

If you're going to store it outside, be sure to secure the rudder so it cannot bang against the stops. If you don't the rudder bell crank will get damaged. Also, loop the seat belts through the yokes to hold the elevator up and prevent the ailerons from flapping in the breeze. Tie down all three points. This isn't a Cherokee. It'll try to fly away on its own if allowed to.

Thanks John
What’s the best method to secure the rudder?

7896 wrote: ↑Fri May 25, 2018 11:10 am I have a Bruce's cover that I'm very happy with.

Thanks. I’ll check that out. That’s the one I’ve heard about the most in general.

8233 wrote: ↑Fri May 25, 2018 2:58 pm What’s the best method to secure the rudder?

If you look at the photos on Bruce's web site you can see a rudder lock made from thin wood clamped around the vertical stab and rudder. (I see they are only listed under the 140 page - here's the links:)
https://www.aircraftcovers.com/140#6
https://www.aircraftcovers.com/140#9
https://www.aircraftcovers.com/140#24
I made one using strips of wood about 1/4" by 2" and long enough to reach around both about midway up. A piece of 2x4 in front and a wing nut and bolt in the rear. I put padding from a pickup cap inside

Another way I've done it in a pinch is to secure a length of 3/4" braided nylon rope in the spaces between the rudder bell crank and the stops. Up one side, across under the rudder rib and back down the other side. Tie the two free ends off.

Cessna made a rig that fits between the yoke and the rudder pedals, locking the pedals in the neutral position and elevator full up. (See picture in parts catalog.)

Also you might want to put the flaps down a couple of notches. A strong tail wind will cause the flaps to lower a bit and then bang against the stops. The first time I landed in strong winds +25 and was taxiing downwind I heard this awful banging noise and finally figured it out and put down a notch of flap.

6277 wrote: ↑Sat May 26, 2018 6:07 am Also you might want to put the flaps down a couple of notches. A strong tail wind will cause the flaps to lower a bit and then bang against the stops. The first time I landed in strong winds +25 and was taxiing downwind I heard this awful banging noise and finally figured it out and put down a notch of flap.

That's interesting about the flaps. Thanks for the suggestion! Since mine is a 120, I don't have to worry about that one.

If you look at the photos on Bruce's web site you can see a rudder lock made from thin wood clamped around the vertical stab and rudder. (I see they are only listed under the 140 page - here's the links:)
https://www.aircraftcovers.com/140#6
https://www.aircraftcovers.com/140#9
https://www.aircraftcovers.com/140#24
I made one using strips of wood about 1/4" by 2" and long enough to reach around both about midway up. A piece of 2x4 in front and a wing nut and bolt in the rear. I put padding from a pickup cap inside

Another way I've done it in a pinch is to secure a length of 3/4" braided nylon rope in the spaces between the rudder bell crank and the stops. Up one side, across under the rudder rib and back down the other side. Tie the two free ends off.

Cessna made a rig that fits between the yoke and the rudder pedals, locking the pedals in the neutral position and elevator full up. (See picture in parts catalog.)

Thanks John, this is very helpful. I'm assuming that is only going to be a DIY only option or does someone make those? When you say padding from a pickup cap, what do you mean exactly?

Bruce's has a few different options on the canopy covers. Does anyone have experience with these various options? I'm inclined to go with EXTENDED CANOPY COVER, (Over-The-Top Style) based on the description but that's the one variation they don't have a photo for on their website.

Thanks!

8233 wrote: ↑Sat May 26, 2018 10:38 am Thanks John, this is very helpful. I'm assuming that is only going to be a DIY only option or does someone make those? When you say padding from a pickup cap, what do you mean exactly?

https://www.amazon.com/API-LDTT200F-Top ... B002TYATWY

Bruce's has a few different options on the canopy covers. Does anyone have experience with these various options? I'm inclined to go with EXTENDED CANOPY COVER, (Over-The-Top Style) based on the description but that's the one variation they don't have a photo for on their website.

With a 120 all you need to worry about is covering the sky lights. (With a 140 you want to go back to the trailing edge of the wing to cover the holes where the flap torque tube exits the cabin.)

Each cover is custom made to fit your antennas, venturi's etc.