Lessons learned from trying to hang a plane from the ceiling

[Kelly Wiebe]

No, I didn't drop it (yet). This is what happens when an ARF/used plane buyer has nothing to build therefore needs to find a cool way to display planes.

I picked up one of those bike hangers from MEC for $27. Also from MEC I got some thick nylon strap (used for climbing I guess). I mounted the bike hanger, tied some loops in the nylon strap and walla, what a waist of money! I could maybe hang a plane like this over winter, but not in my basement. It has potential to look cool in a high ceiling garage, but not my low ceiling basement.

Here are some pics. Hey, Scot and Dave look what I'm putting your baby through (Edge 540).

With this method you need to watch out for cat's that want to bring your plane down.

Kelly

[Tom Hastie]

Hanging is definitely the way to go. Had I known about the bicycle hangers and MEC, I might have gone with those instead of buying the individual parts at the hardware store to hang my canoe in the garage. (Probably woulda saved some money) The pulleys haul it up and down, and then I have 4 straps to make sure nothing falls on my car :)

http://lh3.google.com/tom.hastie/Ry47fnIOr-I/AAAAAAAADA0/-0u3a_Qe5VA/s800/IMG_6414.JPG

http://lh4.google.com/tom.hastie/Ry47i3IOsBI/AAAAAAAADBM/89JHflygd8M/s800/IMG_6417.JPG

For airplanes, on of my favourite methods is to get ladder hooks and hook the landing gear on them. Quick, cheap and efficient.

http://lh3.google.com/tom.hastie/Ry47hnIOsAI/AAAAAAAADBE/IDRoL2VeSPw/s800/IMG_6416.JPG

Keeps them off the floor and reduces hangar rash.

Tom

[Kelly Wiebe]

Now that I have a tail dragger I think I will use the hook method in the garage too. I never thought of using latter hooks. I was going to use eyelet hooks with a wire between them. I like the hook method much better. I might have one problem though, the landing gear on the edge 540 may not span far enough between the studs. I'll check it out later.

Where are you putting your Katana?

[Tom Hastie]

Where are you putting your Katana?

Well the engine and servos from the Yak are going into the Katana (a cost cutting measure)... so the Yak will be more of a spare airframe this year in case the unthinkable happens. The Katana will most likely hang where the Yak is in the picture. And the Yak will be moved into the garage rafters for safe keeping.

Although, in the summer, I typically leave my car in the driveway, and use the garage floorspace for airplanes (reduces hangar rash). It's only when I need the garage space for a project or the car that I'll hang them.

Tom