Securing rudder when tied down outside

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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rnealon1
Posts: 219
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Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by rnealon1 »

Rudder Gust Lock 3.jpg
Rudder Gust Lock 2.jpg
Rudder Gust Lock.jpg
Finally got around to making this. Created a makeshift fid with a metal punch and tape. Seems to work great.
Bob Nealon

Southbury, CT
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GAHorn
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Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by GAHorn »

Success! LOL

Yes, the 170 is a challenge when it comes to securing the rudder. If you walk around the flight line you can usually find a 170 (or similar type) with damaged rudders and rudder-bellcranks where they've been beaten against the stops. Using the top of the rudder to slip a "pad" between the rudder counter-balance/horn and vertical stabilizer is another sure-fire method to KILL the rudder, because a wind gust will bend the rudder counterbalance.

Glad to see your Success! Congratulations!
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
KFS1998
Posts: 36
Joined: Tue Jan 26, 2021 2:41 am

Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by KFS1998 »

I came across this gem on Ebay. I wont be able to fit it until i buy the airplane but for now its safely stored in my treasure box.

Has anyone seen this before?
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Cessna PN# 1600101
Cessna PN# 1600101
Future C170 Owner
Miami, FL ( TMB )
TIC170A - 10697
ATP / CFI - Airplane / Glider
FAASTEAM Lead Representative
hilltop170
Posts: 3481
Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 6:05 pm

Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by hilltop170 »

I had a Cub with a stick control lock similar to that.
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
KFS1998
Posts: 36
Joined: Tue Jan 26, 2021 2:41 am

Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by KFS1998 »

This appears to go between the rudder bellcrank and the top portion of the tailwheel. We’ll see.
Future C170 Owner
Miami, FL ( TMB )
TIC170A - 10697
ATP / CFI - Airplane / Glider
FAASTEAM Lead Representative
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GAHorn
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Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by GAHorn »

The series “6” PN leads me to believe this is for an L19/O1 BirdDog. Maybe slips over the stick and against the rudder pedals.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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n2582d
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Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by n2582d »

1966-75 C-188 AgWagon IPC Fig. 64-27A
1966-75 C-188 AgWagon IPC Fig. 64-27A
p/n is 1600101-1
Now you just have to figure out how to convert the 170 from a control wheel to a stick. That would be a cool STC!
Gary
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GAHorn
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Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by GAHorn »

n2582d wrote:
Screen Shot 2021-02-11 at 11.10.36 AM.png
p/n is 1600101-1
Now you just have to figure out how to convert the 170 from a control wheel to a stick. That would be a cool STC!
That’s an “8” series PN drawing which applies to the Agwagon.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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TFA170
Posts: 132
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Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by TFA170 »

n2582d wrote: Now you just have to figure out how to convert the 170 from a control wheel to a stick. That would be a cool STC!
I'd buy it in a heartbeat! About the only improvement you could possibly make...other than a bigger engine. :D
reecewallace
Posts: 165
Joined: Tue Jan 05, 2021 1:34 am

Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by reecewallace »

I just made one and it works great. Local shoe repair store took the outline I got from this site and made one, $12

Thanks for the tips and outline!
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IMG_1827 2.JPG
IMG_1826 2.JPG
- Reece
1956 Cessna 170b
Nanaimo, BC Canada
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IA DPE
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Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by IA DPE »

n2582d wrote:Now you just have to figure out how to convert the 170 from a control wheel to a stick. That would be a cool STC!
I find aircraft with Sticks much harder to enter/ egress and love the 170 for their ease of doing both.

Flying a Cub/ Super Cub/ Champ are fun but getting in/ out is gymnastics. I'm too old.
1955 C170B N2993D s/n 26936
1986 DG-400 N9966C
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4583C
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Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by 4583C »

IA DPE wrote:
n2582d wrote:Now you just have to figure out how to convert the 170 from a control wheel to a stick. That would be a cool STC!
I find aircraft with Sticks much harder to enter/ egress and love the 170 for their ease of doing both.

Flying a Cub/ Super Cub/ Champ are fun but getting in/ out is gymnastics. I'm too old.

Agreed!! I did my flight review in a Super Cub last spring and it convinced me of the wisdom you expressed.
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Karl Towle
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Re: Securing rudder when tied down outside

Post by Karl Towle »

I thought some may be interested in a solution I came up with. Maybe someone can improve upon it. Here's the picture:
20210328_155707[1].jpg
Specs:
1) Locks both rudder and elevator, at their trailing edges, while also cradling the aft 10" of each surface at a rib.
2) Eliminates stresses on control system.
3) Cradles the rudder just above the position light, so will also work with tailBeacon equipped aircraft.
4) Lighter weight than PVC based designs.
5) Padding is cheap and easily replaced plumbing insulation available from most hardware/plumbing sources.
6) Positively held in place by dual, redundant bungee straps.
7) If one forgets to remove, the lack of tailwheel steering should make the oversight obvious to the pilot while attempting to taxi.
8] Can be disassembled and collapsed for storage (total weight: 3.5 lbs including bungee straps.)

This will NOT fit the 170 or 170A without design modification.
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