Lifting Jacks and Stands for Model 7

[rosslr]

With a stretch of inclement weather I decided to get stuck in to a project that I have wanted to do since building - making a set of solid and effective lifting jacks/stands. I know there are many ways people jack their aircraft but just though I would share the result for those interested. The results are below in the photos.

The design parameters were as follows:
1. solid, no risk of falling
2. adjustable to enable levelling of aircraft
3. tail lift to be moveable so that when tail is up in level flight position the aircraft can be manoeuvred in the hanger
4. low cost

I started at the local tip where I found some good thick walled galvanised pipe, some 6mm plate ( old BBQ plate) and some 2" flat bar. I bought three 2000kg bottle jacks at the local tool store for $36 ea on special. A bit of welding, drilling and 2 rattle cans of paint later and I am really pleased with the results. The tail stand jacks on the tail wheel spring and has a channel to positively locate it and keep it 'locked'. The forward stands jack on the undercarriage attach points and have two holes drilled in the RHS to positively locate the lift points over the two undercarriage bolts - again 'locking' the lift point. I get some extra muscle to help lift the tail onto the tail stand and then slide the fwd stands into position before jacking the front wheels off the ground. The the tail stand can be jacked to achieve 'level'. I am very happy with the result and the aircraft feels extremely 'solid' when off the ground.