I saw this on the ramp today. Has anyone got any ideas? Maybe Jake can help? I am thinking that it/they are lift dumping devices for high wind conditions to try and limit the possibility of the aircraft being blown away/over :-? :-?

Matt

http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1346179671.jpg

http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1346080300.jpg

http://www.simviation.com/phpupload/uploads/1346103708.jpg

I have never seen that before, but your guess is the same as what I would have guessed. 

Given that it has a 'Patent Pending' sticker, it must be a fairly new product.  And if they hold on nice and tight, it's probably not a bad idea.  Park into the direction of the expected winds, strap these on top, and you shouldn't lift. 

I found this while googling, not the same but the same idea so I would say that is definitely what we are seeing here.

http://www.kennoncovers.com/wingcovers.htm

Pretty damn good idea if you ask me ;)

You are spot on.  I've seen these advertised before in pilot publications.  Just another unique gadget for the pilot that has to have everything.

Jayhawk Jake wrote on Aug 27^th, 2012 at 6:53pm:

I have never seen that before, but your guess is the same as what I would have guessed.  Given that it has a 'Patent Pending' sticker, it must be a fairly new product.  And if they hold on nice and tight, it's probably not a bad idea.  Park into the direction of the expected winds, strap these on top, and you shouldn't lift.

So these would not have to be certified by Cessna to use on the aircraft?? GA must have different rules to grown up aircraft. Saying that, as they are clearly ground use only, would they have to be certified at all????

Matt

Clever, and considering the cost should you flip over in strong wind, probably quite good value.

expat wrote on Aug 27^th, 2012 at 10:34pm:

Jayhawk Jake wrote on Aug 27th, 2012 at 6:53pm: I have never seen that before, but your guess is the same as what I would have guessed.  Given that it has a 'Patent Pending' sticker, it must be a fairly new product.  And if they hold on nice and tight, it's probably not a bad idea.  Park into the direction of the expected winds, strap these on top, and you shouldn't lift.  So these would not have to be certified by Cessna to use on the aircraft?? GA must have different rules to grown up aircraft. Saying that, as they are clearly ground use only, would they have to be certified at all???? Matt

These do not require certification, as they are as you said, ground use only.  Just another tool, like chocks, ropes, or prop covers.

They are quite clever, but a properly installed, good set of ropes are far more effective.  Most aircraft that have been damaged by wind were either not properly tied in the first place, or the ropes were worn or did not have sufficient strength for the use.

expat wrote on Aug 27^th, 2012 at 10:34pm:

Jayhawk Jake wrote on Aug 27th, 2012 at 6:53pm: I have never seen that before, but your guess is the same as what I would have guessed.  Given that it has a 'Patent Pending' sticker, it must be a fairly new product.  And if they hold on nice and tight, it's probably not a bad idea.  Park into the direction of the expected winds, strap these on top, and you shouldn't lift.  So these would not have to be certified by Cessna to use on the aircraft?? GA must have different rules to grown up aircraft. Saying that, as they are clearly ground use only, would they have to be certified at all???? Matt

As they don't involve modification to the aircraft structure or systems, they wouldn't require any certification.  If the airframe was modified, say you had to install mounts in the wing, you would need a supplemental type certificate from the FAA and other governing bodies