I put a short 2x4 under the two carry throughs and use a jack under the
2x4. Or I put a 3x3 from the cage back to the bungee gear rear attach
point double bulkhead and place a jack near the carry throughs. If none
of that works then lift from the forward wing attach point or a rear
engine mount point. Such single point lifts allow raising the tail but
of course the machine must be securely blocked so it does not fall off
the jack. I throw concrete blocks or something under the cage as well
just in case if does fall as I'm already skinny enough. Lastly you can
put something under the main spar just outboard of the strut. Stabilize
that with a horizontal 2x4 back to the rear spar but lift at the main
spar (within about an inch). It is also easy for a couple of people to
lift the wing tip at the main spar, but even with a beer cooler nearby
my help usually starts complaining if I don't put something more
permanent in place after awhile...
Some folks subscribe to the theory that you should not paint until after
the first "adventure" but you didn't need to get that out of the way so
quickly Ron ;(
I assume you've ruled out a temporary repair to get it back to your
shop. Slightly bent parts can sometimes be quickly and cheaply checked
for cracks with dye penetrant from Spruce etc. Splints have been used
more than once as well.
Ken
Ron Shannon wrote:
I managed to ground loop my new Rebel on Friday and really need a spring
gear leg. Only need one, but will buy two, or even a whole spring gear
option kit, if available and/or seller prefers.
I won't get into specifics of how it happened. Strictly pilot stupidity --
no fault of the plane, which is a tough bird and much better designed (and
constructed!) than my brain. The story would probably cause anyone and
everyone to say, "I would never do that" or "That would never happen to me,"
-- which are dangerous things to think, ever and always -- so I'll spare the
details. Obviously, except for near terminal embarrassment and some lesser
degree of heartbreak, both fixable, I'm fine and know I'm not the first and
won't be the last to loop a taildragger.
The gear leg took the side load and bent a bit, as it's supposed to I guess.
The floor and FUS-5(?) appear to be just fine, thanks to extra strengthening
in the area by Jim years ago. I can jack the leg(s) OK, but would appreciate
any suggestions on supporting the fuse while the leg and original bolts are
swapped out. Other damage was minor and readily repairable, but the plane is
a few hours away so it will be a major hassle and probably a month or two
before I'm flying again -- if I can find a replacement spring gear leg.
If anybody has or knows of a spring gear leg (or two) that might be
available, please contact me direct at rshannon@cruzcom.com ASAP. I have
already written to MAM too, of course.
Ron
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