using a winch to bring airplane into hangar

[rrjohns]

Hello Comanche drivers,
Has anyone done or know if winching a Commanche 180 into a hangar by attaching cable to rear tie down will harm anything?
Thanks,
Bob J

[N3322G]

hi Bob,

Used to take the twin in a hangar for years that way - no problem.

[John Wedge]

Bob, we use a winch on our 180. We mounted it about a foot above the floor so it is basically a straight level pull on acft. We have acft straight / lined up before pulling. Added about 75 ft to the control cable which allows one person to stand in front of acft and work control and tow bar to guide it in. As I do not trust electrical things, I marked where the main gear would be on floor, placed a 4 x 4 inch wood block behind each gear as an emergency stop. It is a smooth straight pull so I do not think there is any harm to acft or tie ring.
John

[rrjohns]

Thanks John,
I appreciate the info.
Bob Johnston

[Daniel Haumesser]

I agree. As long as the wench is low to provide a horizontal pull on the cable, you should be fine. After all, if it'll take 400lbs to hold the tail down while jacking the aircraft it autta take some horizontal tugging. As far as not trusting the on/off switch-I've added a simple pull away plug just past the hand control. If I suspect anything's not right I simple yank the plug away and it breaks the circuit. The wench is an incredible back saver when I have that Wisconsin ridge of ice built up along the front of my hangar door.