Page 1 of 4

Tiedown for DA40

Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2016 10:53 pm
by Diamond_Dan
I bought a Slidedown tiedown for my DA40 and the substantial hook would not fit in the small, wide hole in the tail. I found a stainless, wide shackle that works great. Just sharing for anyone who has run into the same problem. Quality products both.

First the tiedown - slick design attaches quickly and works well.
http://www.slidedown.com/

I used the 5/16" wide stainless shackle ($4.87 from E-rigging.com). It has just the right amount of slop for the DA40. I will try it on my friend's DA20. They have a 3/8" which works as well. May be needed for a larger Diamond?
http://www.e-rigging.com/five-sixteenth ... -d-shackle

Trying to figure out how to post a picture of the assembly.....

Happy Holidays!

Re: Tiedown for DA40

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 1:48 am
by Diamond_Dan
OK seriously I could use some help. How to post a photo?

Re: Tiedown for DA40

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 3:26 am
by BkFlyer
I've never actually done it, but there is a section BELOW the post editor with a list of option checkboxes. Change that tab to Attachments, and then add the file. That should end up in the DAN Gallery page too.

Or put your pictures on Flickr and use the IMG tag to show them :)

Re: Tiedown for DA40

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 1:08 pm
by Diamond_Dan
IMG_0191.jpeg
12/23/2016 @KBID

Re: Tiedown for DA40

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 8:41 pm
by AlexanderBingham
Do you keep the D Shackle on during flight? I do like this better than the giant D Carabiner that I use now. 1300lb working weight on this Shackle is more than enough. The only thing I would change is the ability to put a hairpin in the end of the screw.

Re: Tiedown for DA40

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2016 11:40 pm
by Colin
Seems like the D shackle would rattle the entire time in flight. I don't know how easy it is to open and close, but I think I would have it on the O portion of the hook, and connect it to the tail each time I parked.

Re: Tiedown for DA40

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 1:12 am
by Diamond_Dan
I take it off when I'm not using it. I keep it in the mesh bag that came with the tie-down kit. It comes off with a few twists of the thumbscrew - takes seconds. I don't see any chance for the pin to back out if it's only used for tying down the plane.

I looked at several shackles before buying this one. The standard sizes with a pin skinny enough for the hole are too narrow to fit around the tail (just over 1" wide for my airplane). I sent a picture to Slidedown and they are planning to put it on their website next year.

Colin you have a good idea - I am always fumbling with the ropes to find the short one for the tail. I can kill two birds by keeping the shackle attached to the hook. I can quickly grab the correct rope for the job and I don't have to fish around in the bag for the shackle.

Sorry for overthinking this!

Re: Tiedown for DA40

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 1:43 am
by Steve
I use a similar arrangement for the tail, except my tiedown hole is even smaller (early Austrian-built airframe). I got a wire shackle with a spring-loaded pin at some fly-mart. It is not as heavy duty as the shackle, but fast on and off. I'll snap a picture next time I'm out at the hangar...

Steve

Re: Tiedown for DA40

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 5:20 am
by Colin
I don't think it is possible to overthink things related to aviation. The better solution is always a good thing to consider and implement. That's one of the reasons I love Antoine's journey, so search for the perfect plane (for his mission).

Re: Tiedown for DA40

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:05 pm
by Kyle
Dan,

I was thinking about buying a set of these Slidedowns. What do you think of yours after having them for a year now?

Did you have to order a custom length? I was told the standard ones might be too short for the DA40 to use on a standard tie-down ring layout.