Fuselage Stabilizing Device

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Tralika
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Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:49 pm
Location: Wasilla Alaska

Fuselage Stabilizing Device

Post by Tralika »

I'm installing my fuel tanks which involves mounting the wings. I've already installed the landing gear but didn't want to have the fuselage on the gear when I mounted the wings the first time. Having the fuselage on the floor keeps the wings lower and makes it easier to work on the tanks so I removed the landing gear. I'm building in my garage and there is only room for one wing on the fuselage at a time. Just recommends weighting down the airframe to keep it stable. I came up the a cleat made from a seven foot 2x6 and some other scrap wood. I cut the wood to fit the center landing gear attach point. The side that is opposite of the wing is drilled and attached with a bolt. I wasn't sure how much pressure would be pulling on the attach point so I reinforced the wood with some .040 aluminum over the bolt. Everything is glued and secured with 3" screws. It has worked well, very stable.
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John Nealon
Wasilla, Alaska
Highlander Extreme #191
mykitlog.com/jnealon
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danerazz
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Location: Bangor

Re: Fuselage Stabilizing Device

Post by danerazz »

I made a low dolly the same way, wood ripped to fit the landing gear mount and four small casters. I then made another with blocks of 2x4s and casters for the tail. This keeps it nice and low for easy access and I can push it around in any direction. My shop is very small, so I need to move it around a lot to get to each side.
Dane

Paralysis by analysis
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Bay State Flatlander
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Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2014 12:18 am
Location: Central Massachusetts

Re: Fuselage Stabilizing Device

Post by Bay State Flatlander »

Tralika thanks for posting pictures of your stabilizer. Seeing the in process, how did you get it done type pictures is extremely helpful.

I'm building in a half basement so pictures of any space saving/ make life easier rigs are greatly appreciated.
User GDS
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Joined: Sun Jul 01, 2012 11:59 am
Location: Big Bear Airport

Re: Fuselage Stabilizing Device

Post by User GDS »

Nice set up. If the bottom piece extended out on both sides it could be used to stabilize my finished Highlander when I work on the suspension.

I built an RV with a partner a few years ago. It was my first airplane, his fourth. He built the wings for a Glastar in his dining room and living room. It was not only a space saving technique, it saved a lot of trips to the hangar. Did I mention that he was not married?
GDS
So Cal
Highlander #232
Rotax 912ULS, Dynon Skyview
jak
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Location: toccoa Ga

Re: Fuselage Stabilizing Device

Post by jak »

I built highlander wings in my living room with my wifes approval of course. (A trade for new floors when I finished). Jak
Pick up a rifle and you instantly change from a subject to a citizen.
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