I have a 1957 C-172 and am looking for a good way to lock that large rudder while tied down, without damaging paint or parts! I have seen a few different methods but some will damage the paint while others seem extremely cumbersome to install and remove. If anyone has something that works well for them, I would really appreciate the feedback. Thanks, Ernie
The best device is one that clips over the rudder pedals and attaches to the yoke or the seat.No risk of damaged paint or aluminum and no chance of departing with the lock installed. I've seen them for sale in various pilot's stuff publications etc.
Only problem with locking the rudder pedals as it will not prevent the rudder from "banging" around in gusty winds. The rudder is cabled to the pedals via springs. The only feasable way to lock the rudder is to fashion two pieces of padded wood with a long screw that attaches the pieces together with a wing nut or something similar, accessed thru the center hinge point. Attaching a remove before flight streamer is also not a bad idea as I have seen folks taxi out with the red streamer flying...
My rudder is not connected to the pedals via springs. The nose wheel steering is. You might want to take another look at the rigging illustrations in the parts or maintenance manual.
Try PVC pipe covered with soft insulating sleeve. Long U shape device joined by 90 degree pipe joints. After sliding over front of fin, joined under tail with long bolt and wingnut. Works like a charm. That rudder doesn't need to be banging around in the wind. Not good for hinges, not good for control cables...
