John,
We have now raised '336' 3 times for various reasons, once with
a hoist and twice with a forklift. When using the hoist take care, the
aircraft will roll a long way forward when you lift it, it will also be
unstable and drop wings etc. We were fortunate to be building on a farm so
had access to a big forklift, this is much easier and cleaner if you have
the option. We found the hoist very restrictive, and easy to damage the
fuselage so protect it and the wings - however you may not have the option.
One word of caution (and this is very obvious in hindsight) - leave the
retraction tests as late as possible and dont work around the flap / gear
mechanism afterwards unless you have to. We simply fitted a small stowage
box in the rear luggage shelf and found out on the flight test it restricted
undercarriage dropping - and we had tested the gear 50+ times prior to
flight.
We lifted from the undercarriage / engine mount without problems, but if you
use a hoist remeber to add your weight to the aircrafts to make sure you
have sufficient capacity (aircraft weight circa 800 lb depending on build)
and get the longest arm possible.
ATB
Tony.
100 hours up and planning to fit the Airmaster, just preparing for the first
annual and working on the C of G mods (battery etc).
----- Original Message -----
From: "JonSmith" <jon.smith680@tesco.net>
Sent: Friday, April 14, 2006 1:48 PM
Subject: Europa-List: Monowheel Jacking
>
> Hi all, Sorry to "raise" this subject yet again - but I'd just like to ask
people's opinion...
> Is it considered safe practice to lift a fully rigged monowheel for the
retraction test/ inspection using a hoist?
> In the past I've always messed around with jacks and trestles under the
wing spars which works fine, if a little precarious! A friend though has a
hydraulic engine hoist which seems ideal and much easier - I was just
worried that there would be a lot of weight suspended from a single point on
the airframe.
> Where is the best place to attach the strap? I've heard talk about using
the undercarriage mounting frame just behind the engine mounts??
> If someone could reassure me - or otherwise - I'd be most grateful!
> Best Regards,
> Jon
> ----------------
>
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