Do you wish you had an easy, effective, gust lock for a Champ?

[RRHaldeman]

A seasoned Champ veteran saw me tie my Champ stick back using my seat belt. He pointed out that if the stick is tied back, the elevators are in the UP position and he has seen a Champ lose its tailfeathers when a strong gusty wind kept lifting the tail and slamming it into the ground. He pointed out that if I tie the stick forward, the elevators are in the DOWN position. He recommended a bungee cord because it will hold the stick, elevator and ailerons in the correct position but will allow some movement to avoid damaging them. Secure both ends of the bungee cord on the interior forward tubes, wrap the cord once around the top of the stick. If I knew how to post and image, I would do so.

[Richard Murray]

send the picture to naa-bb@celinaux.com and I will put it up for you.

[rkittine]

Depending on the direction of the wind gusts, you can have that issue with either position to put the elevators in. Head wind with the elevators down will try to lift the tail, tailwind will pin it. Tailwind with try to raise a tail with the elevators up, but will nail it down in a headwind. I have always made sure that the tail is firmly tied to the ground and then stopping elevator movement does just that.