Gust locks

Submitted by konstantin_azarov (Konstantin Azarov) on Tue, 07/12/2022 - 16:17

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Hi everyone,

 

Now that we are starting to travel with the new to us IV-P, we are in a need of a good gust lock. What do you all use? Looking for some recommendations.

 

Thanks,

Konstantin

donsak's picture

Here is the one I use in my

Submitted by donsak on

Here is the one I use in my Evolution. It secures the rudder pedal to the side stick which keeps all three from movement.  I’m not sure where to buy one.  You might check with Kim at Evolution Aircraft.
 

 

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Image icon Control lock
rpastusek's picture

Konstantin

Submitted by rpastusek on

Konstantin

I use the pilot seat belt to secure the elevator and ailerons by extending it around the control stick. Disadvantage is that the elevator is held in the fully-deflected position. Principal advantages-very simple and no chance of flying with the control lock in place. For the rudder, I have an AL tube with a welded fork on one end that engages both pilot-side rudder pedals the other end rests against the main wing spar box at the front of the pilot seat. 
I’m sure there are better locks, but mine are effective, cheap and pretty fool-proof??

bob

harrelson's picture

In our IV I use the tow bar

Submitted by harrelson on

In our IV I use the tow bar for a rudder lock. I drilled a new hole so that the length could be set such that with the handle end on the pedals, the nosewheel end wedges against the spar. I use a little scrap of wood to protect the spar. For the elevator and ailerons I have a strap with a hook on one end. I place the hook at the bottom of the instrument panel and wrap the strap around the stick. This keeps the elevator in the down position which is preferable no matter the direction of the wind. Since I always carry the tow bar in the airplane, this setup requires very little extra "stuff".

Thanks, everyone.

Submitted by konstantin_azarov on

Thanks, everyone.

This is roughly what I figured - I used my RV control lock to lock the pedals. It wasn't ideal, but it worked. I might make something out of abs pipe that fits better.

I don't quite like using my seat belt to lock the stick - it's pretty finicky. Those of you who use straps, how does it restrict aileron movement?

 

Thanks,

Konstantin