John Vance Posted May 20, 2016 Report Share Posted May 20, 2016 During the last tire change on my CTLS, I used a ladder to prop one wing up to elevate the wheel needing work. It worked, but I'm not able to do that without help. I have Matco wheels & brakes, and there is a hole somewhat larger than 1/2" diameter on the inboard side of the landing gear leg, extending into the axle. An earlier post from someone else (sorry, I've forgotten who) described an elegant welded tool that would swing down to support the landing gear leg simply by lifting a wing. I don't have welding equipment but liked the idea, so I stole the basic idea and made a similar tool from a piece of 2 x 6, a 4" x 1/2" diameter bolt, a nut, and a couple of fender washers. I have 4 x 6 tires, and cut the bottom of the board 7 1/4" from the center of the bolt. You can make this thing with a drill and a saw, and it works much like the (much nicer) welded version - insert the end of the bolt into the hole in the gear leg, and lift the wing high enough to let it swing into place. Here's a photo - the blue stuff on the bolt is just painter's tape, to protect whatever might need protecting inside the hole. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Downs Posted May 20, 2016 Report Share Posted May 20, 2016 I posted the original and there is a drawing on this site. Try searching "flat tires" I think you will find it. I believe it was is 2012. This does work perfectly. I use it every time I do a 100 hour and annual and those unfortunate time when the tire is flat on the bottom side. I carry one in the floor compartment so it can be used should I need it at another airport. Won't leave home without it. The wood version should work well to0. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vance Posted May 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2016 I posted the original and there is a drawing on this site. Try searching "flat tires" I think you will find it. I believe it was is 2012. This does work perfectly. I use it every time I do a 100 hour and annual and those unfortunate time when the tire is flat on the bottom side. I carry one in the floor compartment so it can be used should I need it at another airport. Won't leave home without it. The wood version should work well to0. Thanks for the reminder. It's a great idea - mine's clunkier but works well as a shop tool. I don't plan to carry it around with me, but I suppose I could. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anticept Posted May 20, 2016 Report Share Posted May 20, 2016 I use a scissor jack from a car. Put it right up under the leg and make sure it won't contact the matco brake bleeder nipple, and raise it. Then put a 6ft step ladder under the wing with LOTS OF PADDING. VERY VERY IMPORTANT. Try to position it under the spar. Then lowerthe jack a bit so it rests on the ladder gently. The idea is if something goes wrong, you want more than one "jack". If the plane kicks off one, it won't slam down on anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted May 20, 2016 Report Share Posted May 20, 2016 The scissors jack is a good idea, I think I will start doing that to back up my ladder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted May 20, 2016 Report Share Posted May 20, 2016 If a ladder is in place there is no way it could come out with weight on it unless it falls apart. They are easy to to put under the wing. I just get under the wing and lift up with one hand and slide the ladder with some padding on top under the wing. I'm not sure why you need a jack. That was old school back in 2006. If I don't use my ladder I use my engine hoist. It has a plate on top and a tire/inner tube. I put that under the wing by the tiedown eyelet (not on it) and pump it it to where i want it. I use bot for a wing inspection. The engine hoist makes it easy to align the spare pin holes when you are by yourself. I found a picture on our forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anticept Posted May 20, 2016 Report Share Posted May 20, 2016 I meant I lift the plane with a scissor jack. I used to just pick the wing up and move the ladder underneath, but then I messed up my back and now keep from compressing it. Most people won't be buying a cherry picker for this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted May 20, 2016 Report Share Posted May 20, 2016 "but then I messed up my back and now keep from compressing it." You young guys need to lift more weights to keep up with the old guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anticept Posted May 21, 2016 Report Share Posted May 21, 2016 Bad backs run in both sides of the family :/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted May 21, 2016 Report Share Posted May 21, 2016 2 surgeries (L3,4,5) on mine and a dozen herniated and 1 fractured disc since 8th grade. Sports are hard on bodies. If I knew what I knew now I would have taken better care of my back and my ears and stayed out of the sun more. A little late now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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