P&M Aviation QUIK GT450 Operating Instructions Manual Download

Page: 67 / 68

Quik & Quik GT450 Aircraft Operating Instructions

March 2007

Issue 1

Page 67 of 68

14. DE-RIGGING THE AIRCRAFT

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CAUTION

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.

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.

WARNING