Gust lock

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astaib
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Gust lock

Post by astaib »

Hello,

I bought my DA40 some months ago (but I flew it for years in the club) but I never saw the gust lock (I even ignored that it exists).

Now, it's my plane and I want to renew some things and add what is missing: the gust lock for example!

I just unscrewed the "femelle part of the clip" that is screwed to the plane and I bought new pairs of Male/femelle clips. My idea was to do myself a strap with the 2 males clip at each side and "only" lock the stick in front position by tighten it.
In the original gust lock kit, I saw a metallic bar, but I ignore how to install it and also what does it stand for :roll: .

Is it mandatory to have the bar or can I have a safe system by only adjusting tight the strap?

I hope that my topic is clear :D .

Arnaud.
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Rick
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Re: Gust lock

Post by Rick »

Arnaud,

Congratulations on your DA40 purchase!

The gust lock serves two purposes. The strap around the stick keeps the elevators and ailerons from moving in the wind. The hooks on the other end of the gust lock stick connect to the rudder pedals to keep the rudder from moving in the wind. I think both functions are important if your DA40 is going to sit outside. In case you haven't seen a factory gust lock, here is a picture:
Gust Lock.jpg
Actually, this one has been modified to extend the length of the stick so that the rudder pedals don't need to be moved from their "normal" position in my DA40 - the factory gust lock is a bit shorter and requires moving the pedals all the way out before placing the gust lock.
Roanoke, VA (KROA)
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astaib
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Re: Gust lock

Post by astaib »

Thanks Rick, I get it now.
I will try to make a hook by myself then.

Arnaud.
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Re: Gust lock

Post by marcm »

Hi Arnaud
I'm also missing the gust lock. Have you built one ?
Marc
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astaib
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Re: Gust lock

Post by astaib »

Hello,

Yes I built one, but the previous owner finally find it and gave me the original one :)
Arnaud
DA40 Star 180 / 40.026 / 2001
Wingtip, landing and taxing LED (Whelen)
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GNS430 NON-WAAS
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