Transport and store your plane safely, On SALE NOW

[Rudy Taube]

Hi Guys,

If you ever thought of shipping your CL plane on a plane or train, or on top of your car, etc. using the "Sportube" is an excellent solution. This idea is from Eric Rodgers in SFO CA. Eric ships his take-apart Electric Score via the airlines in his Sportube. It is normally used by snowboarders and ski travelers.

This unit is perfect for our CL models, and the dark arts too. The normal price is $169, but REI has them on sale for only $115. When you see the unit you will understand what a great deal this is. I don't think you could build a stronger, lighter box for this price (if your time is worth more than $1.00/hr  ). It will handle one piece wings up to 66" span.

This may be more useful for those who live outside the USA and travel more by train and plane, but I think more CLPA pilots here in the USA will begin to make take-apart planes to be carried in smaller cars and fit in "car pools" to contests, etc. Much like we already do in the dark arts.

Here is the Link for those who are interested:

REI        http://www.rei.com/product/663976

SPORTUBE      http://www.sportube.com/pages/snowboards.php

Thanks Eric for your great idea. I have one on order! 

Regards, 

[Dennis Toth]

Rudy,
Do you know if these will pass for "checked baggage" or "airfreight"  on commercial airlines with a IC engine/tank installed (no fuel)? I know the Sportube Series 3 is a multi length case from 42" to 72" width 14 1/2", depth 7 7/8". I would think you could lay the wing in and make a shelf to lay the fuse and tail feather on.

This seems like a great transported if you can detach the wing and stab. I have a OTS Barnstormer that I am building as take-a-part and would like to be able to travel to a few contests. I see that it is available from Amazon for around $210, plus shipping or the local Dick's Sporting Good for $229.

Best,   DennisT

[Bruce Perry]

You will want to check you FAA regs but it's HIGHLY unlikely that you could ship with engine and tank. 

The added inertia in the nose will cause damage to other parts during the baggage demolition efforts.

It is possible to achieve an inert state that will satisfy FAA regs for engines and tanks that have been used.  However it has been my experience travelling with such is an endless bureaucratic nightmare with omnipotent under educated pleebs...IMHO.

Ship the engines and tanks ahead via fed ex,  take the naked plane with you. 

Good luck!!!!!  You'll really need it!!!

Bruce

[Dennis Toth]

Looking at the shipping rates, the Greyhound is about $80 (going FL to GA); Airfreight is $60. I looked at the regulations and it seems that Airfreight would allow shipment without fuel. If the shipping box is well constructed to secure the plane parts even if opened it should be OK. For me the airport is close by and taking the ship to Airfreight terminal is pretty easy (coming back may be more of a challenge) but if one gets there several hours before the scheduled flight there would be time to inspect. Has anyone done Airfreight?

Best,   DennisT

[Target]

Be sure to securely tape  a broom stick in your sport tube,  unless you want your wing shortened by the TSA...
I traveled to Slovakia as part of the USA f3f team with my planes in a sport tube. And i checked one transmitter,  and carried one on.  A letter from the AMA helps too if you're going international.
R,
Chris