PA-32/34 Motorcycle Loading System

David SheltonDavid Shelton
in General Discussion
We just wrapped up a motorcycle loading system for PA-32/34 series airplanes. A system of ramps and fixtures allow the pilot to load and secure a 225cc street-legal motorcycle inside the airplane. A built-in winch system, powered by a cordless drill, does most of the work. After landing, it takes 2-3 minutes to remove the motorcycle and prepare it for riding. Here's a quick look at the prototype:



Many thanks to Steve Reed, Glenn and Judi Gordon, Josh Cisneros, Larry Wiechman and other folks who helped work on this over the last few months. We've been able to put some of that enormous useful load to work and achieve a real winner in door-to-door transportation.

Comments

  • n36601n36601
    That IS ingenious!
    Do you also have an STC to add that baggage door to my PA28-161?

    VFRs, without TFRs,
    Dennis
  • TMyersTMyers
    Any issues with the fuel sloshing around or leaking out while in flight?
  • David SheltonDavid Shelton
    That's a great question and something we had to put a lot of time into. First, we modified the motorcycle with a non-spill plumbing system. For example, the carburetor spills into a catch-can where the fuel is safely contained for the flight. Later, at the push of a button, the fuel is pumped back to the main tank. For a second layer of protection, we built a shallow spill pan into the pallet/sled. It's lined with enough fuel absorbent material to immediately soak up the entire 1.5 gallons.

    Why didn't we simply drain the fuel before flight? That would work fine for rare adventures and many people have used that approach. However, we set out to make a system that's good enough for every-day use. Draining fuel would have added too much time and mess.
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