I understand using a small jack to jack the airplane for removing a wheel assembly. Are there any low cost ideas floating around to jack the entire aircraft off the ground for fitting the main and nose leg fairings. I have researched the site and the prefab wing jacks seem a tad expensive. Any ideas are welcome.
Thanks
Phelps
Easiest, cheapest and most portable method, and tested this week!:
Find a sturdy support, such as a tool chest, that is about the right height to support one wing. Pad it with foam.
Then, find a friend to crouch under the wing near the tip and lift up until the wheel is clear of the ground. Roll the padded tool chest into position under the spar, just outboard of the pitot tube position (or equivalent on right side). Ask your friend to relax.
This is fast (about 30 seconds) and secure. It's also possible to do in the field if you can find someone to help and a sawhorse or tool chest.
BTW, we estimate the force to lift on the tip is about 100 lbs. Well within the capability of one person to lift. Haven't tried it on a tail dragger, but should work with the tail support in about a level position.
For the nose gear, either pull the tail ring down to a weight (concrete filled tire) to lift the nose, or use an engine hoist to lift the nose off the ground. If you use the tail tie down, tie a bowline in the tie-down rope, loop the rope through the tie down ring, down to the ring in the weight, then back up through the loop of the bowline. When you pull on the bitter end, you get a 2:1 mechanical advantage to assist in pulling the tail down.