TheFrisco Posted April 15, 2020 Report Share Posted April 15, 2020 Got to my 2008 CT to find a nicely written note that my elevator rod had broken ... As it turns out the 5mm thread rod end bearing was corroded and broke in winds from the back. Just glad it didn't happen flying. FlightDesignUSA was awesome finding me a replacement part, even in times like today. But it reminds me how important pre-check is and hopefully for you a reminder to check corrosion on that part. On that note, what is everyone doing around locking their stick when parked? Robert aka TheFrisco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted April 15, 2020 Report Share Posted April 15, 2020 3 minutes ago, TheFrisco said: Got to my 2008 CT to find a nicely written note that my elevator rod had broken ... As it turns out the 5mm thread rod end bearing was corroded and broke in winds from the back. Just glad it didn't happen flying. FlightDesignUSA was awesome finding me a replacement part, even in times like today. But it reminds me how important pre-check is and hopefully for you a reminder to check corrosion on that part. On that note, what is everyone doing around locking their stick when parked? Robert aka TheFrisco I attach a bungee from the stick to the rudder pedals, holding it in the forward position as a gust lock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warmi Posted April 15, 2020 Report Share Posted April 15, 2020 10 minutes ago, TheFrisco said: Got to my 2008 CT to find a nicely written note that my elevator rod had broken ... As it turns out the 5mm thread rod end bearing was corroded and broke in winds from the back. Just glad it didn't happen flying. FlightDesignUSA was awesome finding me a replacement part, even in times like today. But it reminds me how important pre-check is and hopefully for you a reminder to check corrosion on that part. On that note, what is everyone doing around locking their stick when parked? Robert aka TheFrisco Do you keep your plane outside ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFrisco Posted April 15, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2020 1 hour ago, Warmi said: Do you keep your plane outside ? Yes for now and this really makes me look hard for indoors Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFrisco Posted April 15, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2020 1 hour ago, WmInce said: Same here, Andy. Has worked really well over last 5 years. So not using the seatbelt then? Why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted April 15, 2020 Report Share Posted April 15, 2020 27 minutes ago, TheFrisco said: So not using the seatbelt then? Why? You don't have to reset your seatbelt when you go to fly this way. Plus a belt doesn't have any give to it, I think you want a gust lock to allow a little movement so that it doesn't put stress on airplane parts like control surface hinges. The bungee will stretch a little bit in high winds and take up some of the stress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted April 15, 2020 Report Share Posted April 15, 2020 Personally I would prefer to have the controls locked solid either neutral or forward. To me the stress on the system with it locked solid is better than having the bungee stretch and then letting it slam back against the control stop. Tying back with the seat belt is better than nothing, but tying forward is better than tying back, here's why. With the controls tied back and you get a wind from the tail, it will try and lift the tail and the wind will get under the airplane and flip it over. If the wind is from the front the tail goes down increasing the angle of attack and the lift being produced, and the airplane tries to fly. If the tail is tied forward a wind from the back pushes the tail down, and hits the top of the wing and the airplane stays put. If the wind comes from the front it will raise the tail decreasing the angle of attack and the airplane stays put. With extreme winds all bets are off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFrisco Posted April 15, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 15, 2020 11 minutes ago, Tom Baker said: Personally I would prefer to have the controls locked solid either neutral or forward. To me the stress on the system with it locked solid is better than having the bungee stretch and then letting it slam back against the control stop. Tying back with the seat belt is better than nothing, but tying forward is better than tying back, here's why. With the controls tied back and you get a wind from the tail, it will try and lift the tail and the wind will get under the airplane and flip it over. If the wind is from the front the tail goes down increasing the angle of attack and the lift being produced, and the airplane tries to fly. If the tail is tied forward a wind from the back pushes the tail down, and hits the top of the wing and the airplane stays put. If the wind comes from the front it will raise the tail decreasing the angle of attack and the airplane stays put. With extreme winds all bets are off. Makes sense, how do I lock in neutral though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted April 16, 2020 Report Share Posted April 16, 2020 5 hours ago, TheFrisco said: Makes sense, how do I lock in neutral though? Unless you design and build a control lock a bungee cord is your best bet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGLyme Posted April 16, 2020 Report Share Posted April 16, 2020 12 hours ago, Tom Baker said: but tying forward is better than tying back Great advice Tom. I only did this once during my short trip to OSH. I used a bungee "tied" to the seatbelt, tied to the stick. Will tie the bungee to the stick and pedals in the future. Thanks ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGLyme Posted April 16, 2020 Report Share Posted April 16, 2020 Thank you Bill... yes, I have a few bungies of various lengths in the plane with the black "plastic" hooks (as opposed to the metal ones which scratch and are heavier). One is used to hold a tool bag in the back and I keep the other two in the under-floor storage. When I get to the airport next I am going to experiment the stick to pedals program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frfly172 Posted April 17, 2020 Report Share Posted April 17, 2020 If you store outside ,you might want to consider a full set of aircraft cover by Bruce’s covers. The covers hold the rudder in a neutral position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGLyme Posted April 17, 2020 Report Share Posted April 17, 2020 esp given the salt laden breezes of Hawaii where the Frisco resides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runtoeat Posted April 17, 2020 Report Share Posted April 17, 2020 Keep those rod ends and hinges well lubed with good lubricant. Especially if CT is kept outdoors and near ocean. Use Inox spray if able to find it. Not wanting to hear that elevator rod end was broken. Bad news if the 2nd one gives up too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGLyme Posted April 17, 2020 Report Share Posted April 17, 2020 Tom/Bill preflighted today and tried out your tip. Works beautifully. Thx again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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