De-Rigging The Aircraft; De-Rigging - P&M Aviation QUIK GT450 Operating Instructions Manual

14. DE-RIGGING THE AIRCRAFT

WARNING
!
Rigging and de-rigging the aircraft is a simple
and safe operation when carried out correctly.
However, if you do not use the correct
procedures or technique it is possible to injure
yourself. It is therefore essential that you
receive formal instruction on how to rig and de-
rig the aircraft by an instructor, P&M dealer or
other competent person before attempting the
operation on your own.

14.1. DE-RIGGING

The de-rigging procedure is a direct reversal of that for rigging. As with the preparation before flight, it is also
important when de-rigging that the pilot/operator carries out an inspection.
The aircraft may be fitted with an optional rigging gas strut. If a gas
strut is not fitted, support the weight of the wing by lifting on the
control bar from the moment you unhitch the front strut, or
damage/personal injury could occur.
Face the aircraft into wind and apply the parking brake. Remove the windscreen extension, if fitted. Remove
the 2 rings and pins holding the front strut to the front strut lower. These can be found above the panel and
behind the windscreen. Undo the pylon overcentre lever. Remove the pin at the top of the front strut and
remove it.
Stand in front of, and facing the trike, with both hands firmly supporting the control bar. Gently ease the
control bar towards you as you walk backwards until the keel has engaged with the keel stop and the pylon
starts to move towards you. If a rigging gas strut is fitted, while keeping firm control of the descent with both
hands on the control bar, you can allow the gas strut to support the weight of the wing. If no gas strut is
fitted, then you will be supporting the wing weight all the way to the ground.
Do not attempt to lower the wing to the floor without a rigging gas strut if you have back problems or if
you are slight in stature. With wind input, you could find yourself with up to 97 lb (44 kg) of dead weight
to carry. If you are unfit to carry this weight in a stooped position it is essential that a gas strut be fitted,
or that someone else is on hand to help you.
As the control bar reaches the ground keep it level to allow both end joints to land together. This will ensure
that there is no twist in the pylon that will make it difficult to remove the hang bolt later.
Release the parking brake, remove the nose cone from the wing and temporarily tuck it away between one
leading edge and its Mylar, fit the rigging tool to the nose. Gently pull the nose and lower it to the ground.
The trike front wheel will roll through the A frame and over the control bar as you do this. Remove the safety
pin and special nut from the hang bolt and then remove the hang bolt from the hang bracket. If electric trim
is fitted, disconnect the trim cord shackle from the keel. Wheel the trike back well away from the wing.
Quik & Quik GT450 Aircraft Operating Instructions
th
29 March 2007
Issue 1
For the first few times that you de-rig your
aircraft, ensure that the weather is calm or you
have an experienced helper to take charge if
the wind starts to take control from you. It is
also much better to be set up on a grass than
hard standing, both to avoid damage to the
wing and scraped knuckles as you lower the
wing to the ground. Clear the area of clutter,
wing bags, tools, twigs and inspect the ground
for holes or any other obstacles that may trip
you.
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
CAUTION
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