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Portable Hangar parking sensor

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 3:15 pm
by yl472401
I’m going to put my plane in a relatively small hangar with tight fit to the diamond DA40. I did a test run yesterday and realized it is going to be a tight squeeze to get in. Anyone has recommendation to a good set of airplane parking sensor system (video surveillance or soma sensor) so that I can tell when the wing tips are dangerous close to the objects such as walls or shelf?
Thanks.


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Re: Portable Hangar parking sensor

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 3:27 pm
by Steve
Bryan:

Might be better (and cheaper) to position the airplane in the hangar as far from impingement as possible, then paint some guide lines on the floor. When you are pushing in (or pulling out, for that matter) if the wheels are on the lines, you can't hit anything. Although I have about 1.5 feet on each side at the narrowest point in my hangar, that has worked for me...

Steve

Re: Portable Hangar parking sensor

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 3:33 pm
by yl472401
Steve wrote:Bryan:

Might be better (and cheaper) to position the airplane in the hangar as far from impingement as possible, then paint some guide lines on the floor. When you are pushing in (or pulling out, for that matter) if the wheels are on the lines, you can't hit anything. Although I have about 1.5 feet on each side at the narrowest point in my hangar, that has worked for me...

Steve
Lovely Image.


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Re: Portable Hangar parking sensor

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 3:45 pm
by AndrewM
Paint lines on the ground to guide you in, both MLG and FLG. Works really well.

Re: Portable Hangar parking sensor

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 3:49 pm
by Chris
I have less than 3" of from either wingtip of my DA42 to the hangar doors, so I bolted some metal rails down on the floor using some angle stock. I also painted lines extending out from the hangar to ensure I was lined up properly before engaging the winch.

Re: Portable Hangar parking sensor

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 6:59 pm
by tjmoody
I'm in a similar situation with a hangar I just moved into ... 3-6" on either side. The previous tenant had a Cessna Conquest with similar wingspan. They had painted stripes and wooden rails bolted to the floor. I am planning on moving the rails and painting new strips to match the DA42. I'm definitely open to technological solutions but the rails are elegant since so long as the wheels are within the rails there is "no way" you can hit the walls ... I hope ... :)

I am also looking at some flags for the back wall to reference against when steering in.

Re: Portable Hangar parking sensor

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 7:00 pm
by yl472401
AndrewM wrote:Paint lines on the ground to guide you in, both MLG and FLG. Works really well.
Thanks. Will do that !!


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Re: Portable Hangar parking sensor

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 7:04 pm
by yl472401
tjmoody wrote:I'm in a similar situation with a hangar I just moved into ... 3-6" on either side. The previous tenant had a Cessna Conquest with similar wingspan. They had painted stripes and wooden rails bolted to the floor. I am planning on moving the rails and painting new strips to match the DA42. I'm definitely open to technological solutions but the rails are elegant since so long as the wheels are within the rails there is "no way" you can hit the walls ... I hope ... :)

I am also looking at some flags for the back wall to reference against when steering in.
It’s amazing that simple tricks can do to solve often seemingly complicated problems. I saw some of the garage parking indicators online and think those might help as well. It’s a think plastic pole stand on the ground which would yield when you touch those poles and give out spacing indication.


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Re: Portable Hangar parking sensor

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 9:19 pm
by MarkA
We used hinged 2 X 4 screwed into the floor with painted guides on the ramp to guide the DA40 in and out of a 40' hangar. Never had a hangar rash issue.

Re: Portable Hangar parking sensor

Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 11:28 pm
by arksat
I also have less than 3" clearance in my hangar. Much more difficult than ILS approach. :scream:
So I use Bruce wingtip protection pads ($275) for additional safety.
https://aircraftcovers.com/DA40#2

I like the idea to put guide rails on the floor. Is it easy to bolt on to a concrete floor?