Pilot Stand Replacement

[L82fly]

Guys,
During this off season we are planning on replacing at least two of the existing stations that have just worn out due to years of weather and use. Below are a couple of plans that "Big" Mike found on the web that are a better design than the old units.

Small Starter Bench.pdf

Small Starter Bench

(127.73 KiB) Downloaded 291 times

Starter Bench LG2.pdf

Starter Bench

(129.42 KiB) Downloaded 305 times

I imagine we will build two of the smaller units first and evaluate their usefulness before proceeding!

[mustang814]

Here are a few pictures of the LG2 safety bench that I built for use at my house. I made a couple of modifications to the plan. One modification was to do away with the wood wing restraint above the table top and replace it with 1/2 inch pipe screwed into a pipe flange. I installed a total of six pipe flanges, 3 on each side. This allows me to make the wing restraints wider or narrower for use with single or multi-engine planes. I also added a storage area on each side of the table with some scrap wood that I had laying around. I also added 8 inch solid rubber wheels with steel rims that I got from Harbor Freight for about $10.00 for the pair.

[kdoughty]

looks good to me Kip !

[L82fly]

I like this one as well, the gas pipe uprights are a great idea but I'm afraid the extra storage area would just prove to be a Mud Dobber condominium? We could try one and see if that happens?

Thanks Guys!

[L82fly]

Guys,
After many years of delays I've recently been in contact with both the Westside engineering staff and constructions teams planning to get this project kick started again.

UPDATE: There are currently two "BETA" pilot stands exiting the preparation stage and entering the assembly phase of construction. I'll update the group with some glossy pics over the the next few days

[L82fly]

Raw materials getting cut to fit, we should have bought the ARF version

Wing kit

Fuse

More sticks....Where does this end?

[L82fly]

Here's a few more pics of the progress....

Creating sub assemblies

Frames for the deck

Bigger than I thought it would be, BTW it's really heavy!

Ball bearing wheels rated at 250 lbs. each!

First sub system completed, 10" wheels installed...Yeeha!

[L82fly]

Initially we were looking at building two of the pilot stands off the same large plan. After evaluating this thing it appears it will be great for larger birds but due too it's size might be difficult to use with 40-60 size aircraft.

Updates:

Entering the final stages of production on the first bench....

The second one has been placed on a size reduction diet but once completed both will go through extensive stress testing at Hollman!

More pictures coming soon so stay tuned

[L82fly]

Wingspan - 64"

Height to Deck - 26.5"

Length - 78"

Dry Weight - Don't know the wood's really wet still

Prop size - As big as it takes

Powered by - Slightly modified Flux Capacitor purchased at O'Reillys Auto Parts

https://www.oreillyauto.com/flux-capacitor

UPS Shipping expenses to Hollman field from manufacturer - PRICELE$$

[L82fly]

The primary bench code named "Big Dog" is completed except for the vertical hardware and some additional bracing which will be installed with the smaller bench.

Just existing the assembly line

Although heavy it's relatively easy to move since we have it so balanced!!

I think we exceeded the manufacturers specs in using this!