Retrieval - Jul 2005

Yesterday we retrieved my Ximango from a turf strip some 5 hours drive=20
from home. Holliday Obrecht suggested I record some of the things that=20
were learned in the process so that if others have to go through a=20
retrieve they can use this as a check list.

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Date:         Thu, 21 Jul 2005 13:45:44 -0400
Reply-To:     Ximango Owners Group <XIMANGO@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Ximango Owners Group <XIMANGO@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Ted Gordon <tedjgordon@ATT.NET>
Subject:      Retrieval
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Yesterday we retrieved my Ximango from a turf strip some 5 hours drive=20
from home. Holliday Obrecht suggested I record some of the things that=20
were learned in the process so that if others have to go through a=20
retrieve they can use this as a check list. These are not necessarily the=20
best ideas but they seem to have worked for us. This list is a starting=20
point and I hope others will add observations and procedures so that over=20
time this can be a check list for others.

1) The major components are heavy so make sure you have plenty of=20
help. We had four people and could have used six. Strong backs are=20
required.

2) This operation is a LOT more difficult than retrieving a glider=20
after an off field landing with a good glider trailer.  =20

3) If possible bring a hoist. We had an aircraft engine hoist that we=20
used to good advantage to hold the fuselage upright before loading the=20
fuselage in the truck when the wings were off. The place to attach such a=20
hoist is at the engine mounts at the firewall.

4) Remember to bring containers to drain the fuel from the wings=20
tanks and as many blankets, pads, foam sheets, web straps with ratchets,=20
and ad hoc supports as you can.

5) If you use 100LL don=92t use the drained fuel in your car. I didn=92t=20
but was tempted. It will ruin your catalytic converter.

6) We used a BIG enclosed rental truck with a hydraulic tailgate=20
hoist. An open tilt bed truck might have worked also, but we had a long=20
distance to drive so we went for an enclosed truck.=20

7) We removed as much of the interior as convenient, the cowlings,=20
spinner, rudder, propeller, and horizontal stabilizer with its elevator=20
and trim tab still attached early in the process.=20

8) The interior, cowlings, rudder, spinner, and propeller removal was=20
easy. The horizontal stabilizer bolt uses the Ximango standard tool, but=20
this operation is easier if you have previously fabricated a socket that=20
lets you grab the special tool with a socket wrench.

9) Save the loose parts in marked bags.=20

10) We folded the wings and used pads and cushions between the inboard=20
and outboard section. We used web straps with blankets under them to keep=20
the wings in the folded position as we moved them. My wings do not have=20
winglets, so I don=92t know how winglets would complicate the process.

11) The truck=92s hydraulic tailgate hoist (or tilt bed if you have a=20
tilt bed truck) was necessary. The front end of the fuselage went on the=20
tailgate and the engine hoist was used at the tail via a strap under the=20
fuselage near the tail wheel. Both lifted in unison and up went the=20
fuselage ready to be shoved into the truck nose first.=20

12) Inside the truck we used two =93crawlers=94 (auto mechanics use these=20
under their backs to work under cars) under the fuselage at the firewall.
13) You should rent the wing pin removal tool from Ximango USA.=20
Removal of this pin is much more difficult than it looks. You have to get=20
behind it, lying in the fuselage, your head toward the fuselage tail, tool=20
inserted into the pin from behind, and tap it out toward the cockpit,=20
using a mallet or hammer.=20

14) The person that is lying in the fuselage to do the tapping on the=20
wing pin tool should wear protective ear pads.=20

15) When arranging the fuselage in the trailer, be careful of the aft=20
wing fillets. They will come close to the floor and you should have=20
cushions or pads under them. Also watch out for the transponder antenna.

16) Remove the pitot tube from the wing (easy, three sheet metal=20
screws) to avoid damaging it when you move the wing.

17) We had pre-fabricated wing stands for the trailer. Two for each=20
wing. These were made of plywood, with web straps to receive the inboard=20
portion of the wings, leading edge down.

18) The leading edge of the wing at the root sweeps forward. When the=20
wings are placed vertically, the leading edge root will come close to the=20
floor. The wing stands have to be high enough to accommodate this; also=20
place cushions under this point also.=20

19) We were careful in fastening all stands and moveable parts to the=20
truck to avoid any shifting; checked every so often on the way home.

20) We took about 5 hours for the disassembly and loading (a=20
thunderstorm in the midst of the operation slowed things down a bit). With=20
a five hour drive each way, we had to plan for an overnight stay=20
somewhere. Luckily there was an inn across the street from the airport.

21) Unloading was much easier because we had more man power and a fork=20
lift to work with.=20

22) My wife came with us and was a great help. She didn=92t do the heavy=20
lifting but made life a lot more cheerful, the drive more pleasant, and=20
got sandwiches when some of us forgot to eat.
=20

Now the repairs begin.=20