SonexBuilders.net

I know at some point in my research I came across some plans on how to build a rack to store the wings vertically (supported in slings with straps), with castoring wheels to move it around. I just can't seem to re-locate this rack or pictures of it.

I'm about to finish my left wing and will be moving to my right wing, and I need a place to store them before I get back to work on the fuselage. Besides the rack I can't seem to locate, any other tips/tricks on wing storage?

AHA! I just found what I was looking for. Here is Sonex #1005's plans for building a wing storage rack.

http://sonexproject.com/files/wing_stand_snx815.pdf

I think I will build that stand, and then use this builder's method to make slings for moving the wings around.

http://sonex1362.wordpress.com/2013/12/ ... ing-sling/

In the second link, the builder describes about halfway down the page using a tarp wrapped around the wing with a handle (or handles) near the center of gravity to allow 1 person to lift the whole wing. I think I will do this so I can move the wings by myself into and out of the rack in the first link.

-----

The advantage of the one with the tie down straps is that you can also use it to move the wings to the airport when you are done. I built one just like it and bolted it down to my utility trailer with a few straps going over the top. It was amazingly solid when driving the wings to and back from the painter

Keith

-----

I completed my rack (and my left wing!). That design (in the PDF I linked above) worked great, with the exception of the bolt lengths... none of the bolts needs to be longer than 2 inches, and I ended up cutting off 1/2"+ from the ends of 12 of them. The excess length interfered with the castoring wheels, and the bolts that hold the straps protruded more than I liked in the direction of the wings from under the strap. In hindsight I wish I'd inserted the strap bolts from the inside of the rack, to minimize the protrusion. I'll probably buy some more 2" bolts and change it later (I fried the end threads on the current bolts from cutting them.)

It took 4-5 hours and $80 in materials to build.

I agree that carpeting would be even better for the slings, if I can procure some scrap carpet I'll probably retrofit it later.

Pics!

Here's a link to my blog post detailing my build of the wing rack.

http://www.rynoth.com/wordpress/waiex/2 ... rage-rack/

I would also suggest putting a strap or at least a loose rope around the two wings. More than one builder has had their wing fall out of the stand when moving it around. The flaps and ailerons make it a bit top heavy and once it starts to tip out of the webbing you have to catch it quick otherwise it goes over.

Keith
#554

I built the wing rack and am getting ready to move to the airport. What has never been completely clear to me is how to attach the wings to the rack so they don't slide off when braking or accelerating.

Do the straps that secure the wings together so they don't tip over provide enough friction to keep them from slipping off the end also?

My thought is to use the tie downs on each wing to attach each wing to both vertical 2x4's in case friction alone is not enough. Just wondering if there is some other obvious attach point I'm not thinking about.

There is little friction, you will definitely want something additional to keep the wings in the sling during transport.