Rudder Gust Lock

[mike.smith]

Does anyone use some kind of gust lock for the rudder? I'll be tied down outside.

[Bryan Cotton]

My SGS1-35 had a rudder gust lock made of 1/2" PVC pipe and 4 elbows. It had one joint held together with a removable pin. It worked good. Another 1-35 (which actually belonged to the Schweizer clan) had a better system. He had made a bar that clipped on the stick and locked against the pedals. Locked rudders, ailerons, and elevators.

[kmacht]

The rudder is hooked to the tail wheel. I tie the tail wheel down to the anchor on the ramp so the wheel doesn't move and it keeps the rudder from turning as well.

Keith

[mike.smith]

The rudder is hooked to the tail wheel. I tie the tail wheel down to the anchor on the ramp so the wheel doesn't move and it keeps the rudder from turning as well.

Keith

Yes, someone else pointed that out to me and I had a "duh" moment, since I have a tail dragger! I'm supposing in a strong wind the back end of the whole plane could rotate on the tailwheel and move back and forth several inches at least. In that case maybe a gust lock would to more potential damage than good.