New Control lock for PiperSport and Sport Cruisers

[Richard T. Russ]

Hello my friends. Ever since I have owned my PiperSport I have been concerned about damage to my controls caused by wind gusts or another plane blasting by. Several times even when pulling the plane out of the hangar the wind has slammed by ailerons back and forth.  when I have parked the plane outside on several trips while having or infamous $100 hamburger. I have returned to the plane to find an aileron fully deflected and the elevator up due to wind gusts (or maybe from being blasted by another plane). I know the factory says we should use the seat belt to secure the controls but that also puts the elevator in the full up position which is not good. Being a aeronautical engineer I have designed a control lock that I wanted to share with you that is fail safe, puts the controls in a neutral position and only weighs 3 1/2 ounces. It is very inexpensive ($44.00) and works fantastic and can be put in the side pocket when not in use. It is available from US Sport Aircraft in Ft Pierce, Aircraft Spruce, or Wag-Aero. I will try to post some pictures so you can see what it looks like.

 

One very special feature that I have found very helpful while taxiing on a hot summer day is to leave it installed  which enables me to hold the canopy open with one hand and use the other to control the throttle. I'm sure someone might think this could be dangerous an accidentally left on for take off. Due to the design right in front of your nose and it's bright red color, it just won't happen.