On Jun 26, 9:58 am, "BDS" wrote:
Our club just acquired an L-23 and we are going to be tying it down outside.
For those of you out there with L-23s, we are wondering how you go about
securing the tail, considering that the tailwheel mounting area seems
somewhat sensitive to damage.

We were considering going so far as to make a saddle for the aft fuselage to
sit in to keep the tailwheel off of the ground.

Also, how are you securing the rudder?

Our landing gear strut is collapsed and in need or air or nitrogen. I know
that some of these types of strut systems can be inflated with the strut
extended (weight off of the wheel) to something like 30 PSI in order to get
to the correct pressure when weight is applied. Anyone with experience in
this area?

Thanks.

BDS

Sir,

I am a student doing primary training in an L-23. The operation I use
ties the Blanik down outside. The tail is rested on a stand just
forward of the tailwheel, that area seems to be reinforced well. The
stand is welded steel with a foam pad. A simple rope tiedown secures
it.

Rudder movement is handled by a control lock which attaches to the
back seat pedals and stick. We lock the dive brakes open with the
shoulder harness.

Central Florida gets gusty wind conditions during thunderstorm
activity...in the 8 months I have been training there I've never seen
any problems with this setup. There is one ding on the a/c where
someone put the stand too far forward on the empennage.

Hope this helps.