Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I have seen several methods of securing the primary flight controls to protect them against wind gusts but I haven't encountered anything on securing the flaps. Mine bang around a lot if the wind gets behind the aircraft, even when taxiing. Setting them full down limits the amount of travel but I don't think it is enough. What are people doing to protect the flaps? Is anyone using a gust lock for the flaps?

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Thorp T18
O-320-B3B (160 HP)
68x74 Sterba Propeller

"The joke in aviation is, 'If you want to make a million, you'd better start with £10m.' " -Bruce Dickinson

I used a hanger.

d

That's a new on for me .. sounds like your return springs are way too soft. I cant imagine any amount of wind moving mine around.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Agree with Lee, springs too soft. I normally park with flaps down outside.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

While hauling the aircraft home tail first on a trailer, we noticed the flaps deploying around 45 mph, just another data point.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

Agree with Mr. Bruce . Mine start twerking around 40-45 mph when I trailer !

RB

Mine start deploying when the wind blows 10-15 mph. I noticed it taxiing out the day I picked it up but my PA-20 did the same thing in a 20 mph wind so I didn't think much about it at first because I keep it in a hangar. I intend to travel a little if I ever get the fuel system put back together and got to thinking about it sitting outside when I am away from home.

I feel sorry for Dick since he never gets to take his plane out. Maybe he just lives where the wind never blows.

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Thorp T18
O-320-B3B (160 HP)
68x74 Sterba Propeller

"The joke in aviation is, 'If you want to make a million, you'd better start with £10m.' " -Bruce Dickinson