Here is a really neat idea to check your fuel tanks!
A close friend welded this removable step from stainless steel rod, and bar stock. You can position it on either gear leg, as far up as you like! The weight of the pilot "locks" it in place, allowing easy upper wing inspection.
The new removable one will not mark, or damage the gear leg as contact surfaces are lined with rubber. I may attach a red streamer to improve visibility. It must be removed before flight!
(You can see some permanent steps just above the removable one. They were put on years ago with a clamp affair, and will be removed ASAP.)
Pretty slick! I never thought of that. I just might have to whip up one of those for myself. I usually stand on the junction of the strut and fuselage.
Way cool! At first glance I thought it might make my refueling operations safer. But looking at a picture of me refueling I'm not so sure. I guess I better break down and buy a step ladder before I fall and break my neck!
Corey
'53 170B N3198A #25842
Floats, Tundra Tires, and Skis
Corey, is that a stream of gas coming out of that tank or a plastic hose? If it's a stream of gas, I'm definetly impressed! Kinda like pouring a good wine, helps aerate the fuel.
I have just built a step on the same basic design using plane steel and painted it red for visibility. I have been using it for about three or four months now and have come to love it with certain limitations. I do use it for fueling and it works great as long as you get comfortable on it before you begin. One foot on the step and the other on the lift strut just for balance and you're set. I am going to make a pad that you can wrap around the strut so that your foot wont scratch the paint. Throw it in the back and take it wherever. You do need to dry off any water that is on the gear leg as it may let the step slip a little, otherwise it is on there.
I was toying with the idea of making them and selling them for a reasonable price, but I wanted to test it for a while before putting it out. Mine looks very similar to this one but it is shorter.
I would build a bunch of them for the club if there is any interest.
lowNslow wrote:Corey, is that a stream of gas coming out of that tank or a plastic hose? If it's a stream of gas, I'm definetly impressed! Kinda like pouring a good wine, helps aerate the fuel.
It's a hose. I also drilled out the air vent holes so I can empty a 6 gallon can in about 15 seconds!
Corey
'53 170B N3198A #25842
Floats, Tundra Tires, and Skis
Well, with these large tires, I wouldn't need any step and be safer to stand on. Step, cool idea . I can just barely reach the top of the windshield to clean it.
John
John Hess
Past President 2018-2021 President 2016-2018, TIC170A Vice President 2014-2016, TIC170A Director 2005-2014, TIC170A N3833V Flying for Fun '67 XLH 900 Harley Sportster EAA Chapter 390 Pres since 2006 K3KNT
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. I can just barely reach the top of the windshield to clean it.