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Checking the Fuel – Wing Strut

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 2:47 pm
by AGB
Hello!
I don’t trust the fuel gages, so every time before flying I climb the wing and use a ‘stick’ to measure the fuel. My question to you is how to climb the wing? Ideally it should be done with a ladder, but sometimes there simply is not a ladder around for that, so how do you do? I step where the wing strut meets the fuselage and try not to place too much weight on the other foot. I knows it is not a good idea to step there, but is there another option? I have seen 172’s with a step next to the engine but have never seen a 170 with that. The L-19 also has the steps, has anyone installed one in a170? So when you must check the fuel and there is not a ladder around how do you do it? Thanks.
Donovan

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 3:17 pm
by ron74887
Donovan, I have installed the step and the wing strut foot rest on mine. They came off the 180's float kit. I put doublers behind the foot rest on the boot cowl. and the strut step just strap on. most ow your weight is on the step and the strut is for balance. if I knew how I'd post a pic. if you are going to Galveston you can look at them. I also use to step on the wheel pants till I painted the plane- now that's a NO NO. :twisted: :evil: use the little folding 2 step step ladder. Ron

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:01 pm
by blueldr
A handy item for that job is one of the slip-on landing gear leg steps. They're easy to make and easy to store in the airplane.

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:17 pm
by ron74887
BL, very true I've got one left and don't like the way it may twist at times. be sure to put a l o n g red flag on it. Somewhere in south La. someone is wondering what the hell is this and how did it get in my yard? :oops: :oops: It's pretty hard to leave the folding step in front of the wheel! ENOUGH SAID!! Ron

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:48 pm
by jrenwick
Last year at Oshkosh somebody had one of these:

Image

A friend of mine who was there took these photos for me.

John

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 8:16 pm
by futr_alaskaflyer
Check out this thread. I use mine on a regular basis.

http://www.cessna170.org/phpBB2/viewtop ... light=step

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 11:34 am
by AGB
Thanks very much. This is why this place is great.
Regards,
Donovan

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 8:36 pm
by hilltop170
Thanks for the information Richard. I've been looking for one of these for a long time. I emailed Larry and he replied the same day. The price is still $80.00 ea and $12.00 shipping for up to three steps mailed to the same U.S. address.

Image

Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 6:14 am
by ak2711c
F. Atlee Dodge *877-332-8533* has sea plane steps and handles. I have put several sets on myself. Its not real difficult. I can't imagine not having them. Most planes around here have them even if they don't have a float kit.
Shawn

Fuel Measurement/Fuel Gauges

Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 11:16 am
by N1277D
A good backup to the fuel gauges is a JPI fuel flow instrument. I added one to my 170 and it has been very accurate. It also interfaces with the gps and will estimate how much fuel you will have at your destination.

Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2007 12:22 am
by trake
PLEASE dont put those ugly steps and handles on a pretty plane like a 170. Thats number 17 on my list of dumb mods.

Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:26 am
by GAHorn
trake wrote:PLEASE dont put those ugly steps and handles on a pretty plane like a 170. Thats number 17 on my list of dumb mods.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


That's a wonderful difference in airplane ownership..... personality!

I personally am an originality-nut. (Although there are many, invisible mods to my '53 170-B)... I personally have a preference for original (appearance) airplanes.
There are a great many mods out there that make this a more useful airplane, and many owners avail themselves of those mods. The best ones, (in my opinion) are those that do not obviously alter the appearance of the airplane, yet provide measureable safety and operational advantages.... such as: Cleveland wheels/brakes, BAS tailpull handles, Pponk gearbox strengthening-kit, shoulder-harnesses, solid-aluminum (ski) or hollow steel axles, parking-brake disabled, ...and a few others, but those are the major ones....

... but above all, enjoy your personal preferences and maintain it, maintain, it, maintain it. We are only caretakers of these things. Their long-term existence is a testimonial to our short-term ownership of these fantistic, classic, great airplanes!

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 11:56 am
by kmisegades
Somehow the idea of standing on a major structural element designed for tension like a wing strut just doesn't seem like a good idea to me. Plus, the thing is 50+ years old. The strut is nothing more than a hollow tube that has been formed into a teardrop shape. I doubt that Cessna engineers designed it to withstand a 150-300 pound concentrated, bending load. I suggest buying a simple folding stepladder from A/C Spruce or other and stowing in the baggage compartment as I have for years.

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 7:50 pm
by hilltop170
Kent-
I agree with you, standing on the strut, even at the end of it, is not doing any good.

I bought Larry's step and just received it last week. It is an excellent device and worth the money. It works as-advertised and with the cleated surface, your foot will not slip off. You will never have to look for a ladder again. You could use two on one gear leg but if you can stand on one foot it's all you need. I go ahead and balance by placing my other foot on the strut at the fuselage but without placing any pressure on the strut.