Note: Click on these thumbnail images to view a larger image:
Velcro Footbar Attachment
On my (Maurice Sheldon) DK Whisper,
and on Bill Wright's SD
Simple, cheap (less than $1), easy to install, and lightweight idea that just about every PPG pilot could use. Basically it involves attaching or sewing Velcro to the middle of the footrest and the middle-underside of the seat. This makes it easy to quickly deploy and stow the footbar both on the ground or in the air with one hand. No need for having a footrest banging against the back of your legs on takeoffs and landings, or worrying about it entering the props. Both Bill and I agree: it work like a charm!
Windsocks
My windsock,
and some pics of David Cook's cool (and cheap) windsock.
The Windsocks
Thanks to David Cook for this idea. Here's what you need:
A 10' by 1/2" metal conduit, cut in 2 or 3 equal sections depending on your preference ($1-$2)
2 or 3 metal conduit connectors to connect the cut pieces of conduit ($1-$2)
An empty milk jug or other suitable plastic container OR a wind sock ($0-$100)
Surveyors tape (usually comes in bright colors like red, pink, yellow) to attach to the wind sock or milk jug in 6' to 8' strips ($1-$4)
A 3' rebar or solid steel rod. This is the anchorthat gets pushed/hammered into the ground and inserted into the lower part of the conduit. ($.50-$2)
Initially, I used 1/2" PVC pipe since I was looking for maximum weight advantage, but it was too flexible and it bent easily with any wind. The metal conduit works much better and is only minimally heavier. The surveyors tape is VERY sensitive to the wind and extremely visible, even at altitude, because of the constant movement and bright colors. However, the surveyors tape can be deceptive because it makes you think that there is more wind than there actually is. My suggestion is to use both the wind sock and surveyors tape together since it gives a more accurate reading of the wind.
