Additional security for plane and/or avionics

[kwmoore]

I'm considering getting something in the way of a prop lock, throttle lock, or other device that would forestall theft of plane or avionics. For my previous planes I had a RadioLockBar, (http://www.260sepilots.org/gallery/N8367E-Moore/aaj) see also here. (http://www.rlbainc.com/radio_lock_bar.htm) It worked well enough although it was a bit bulky and cumbersome, cost $400+ and took several months to get. Any alternative suggestions? :confused:

[joejenie]

My alternate suggestion would be a hangar!:D You can usually get a 182 hangared for $15-40 a night when out of town (which for me wouldn't be more than 10 nights a year in the 182). I have hangars at 3 locations though (Home, cabin, office), so it's pretty easy for me.

[jjbely]

Kevin,

Just a crazy idea, I have never seen it advertised, maybe there is a business to start :) , but why not adapt some type of car/house burglar alarm running on separate battery power that could get activited by motion inside the cabin and switched on/off by remote control ? Some work for an engineer....

Put up a sign that the A.C is fitted with an alarm system as well may help maybe. If the thief know how to read :) I would have a cover also.

Last, I think a dedicated thief will just tear off any avionic protection device damaging a lot more to steal what he wants, not so good. The prop locks are simple but very effective to prevent the A/C being stollen.

We don't have this problem, our airport is fenced up and patrolled by police and gurkhas at night since 9/11.

JJ

[nworth]

I fly to the Bahamas regularly in my 260se. With the change in central government in the Bahamas and the diversion of US resources to the "war on terror", drug trafficking is sadly on the rise again. While 182's are not the "drug mule" of choice (Aztecs take that honor) I am still concerned that, after all the time and effort I have put into getting 725AS "just right", that I might lose her to a drug runner.

So, I have a number of "protective measures" installed on my plane. My research came across a number of issues and alternatives. They include:

The pilot's door on all standard 182s is easily breached. On most 182s, a door "locked" from the outside (inner door cam handle in upright position) can be popped open by violently shaking the wing. There are numerous devices available to help solve that:

This is an STC to install a barrel lock on the pilot side window. The idea here is to reach through the window, actuate the cam lock, close the window and then lock the window with this device:
http://www.siriuswings.com/

Here's something along similar lines. This grabs the channel inside the window and then holds the window shut. It has several virtues compared to the lock above:

1. No mods to the plane.
2. Less expensive overall.
3. Very apparent to a thief looking for an easy score.

Find this one here:
http://www.protectaplane.com/planelock.htm

Of course, what's the point of blocking access through the doors when the cargo door has the standard dime-store Cessna lock. Get one of these Medecos installed there:
www.aircraftsecurityalert.com/Cessna.html

Throttle lock. This is an old standby. A big hunk of metal fits over the throttle handle, preventing anyone from flying. Available from may places, but Aircraft Spruce has the best price:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/throttlelock.php

An alternative approach to theft protection is to baffle the thief. The throttle lock is apparent and can be defeated with a good hacksaw and enough time. Battery locks limit the thief from being able to use the plane even if they get past the first line of defense:

This first battery lock is least desirable in my mind because it sits on the battery. A half-smart thief might figure this one out:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/batterylock.php

This battery lock is more interesting because it can be remote mounted. For example, the Medeco barrel lock could be fitted below the cowling:
http://www.aircraftsecurityalert.com/JMRINC.htm

Finally, I have a prop lock I also carry. However, I couldn't stomach the ridiculous prices charged for "aircraft prop locks" and just purchased a high quality bike lock instead. Is just as robust, but about 100 dollars less expensive. There are many available.

Of course, none of this answers Kevin's original question re. avionics protection. My personal attitude on this is:

1. If I lock the plane up like this I am probably deterring avionics theft fairly effectively.

2. I am more concerned about the airframe than avionics. I can always replace electronics without too much trouble but 725AS, as she sits now, is irreplaceable (to me!).

[kwmoore]

Put up a sign that the A.C is fitted with an alarm system as well may help maybe. If the thief know how to read :) I would have a cover also...We don't have this problem, our airport is fenced up and patrolled by police and gurkhas at night since 9/11.

Hey, even better, I could put up a sign that the plane is under 24 hr surveillance by gurkhas! ;)

Thanks for the suggestions which I will ponder. :)

[kwmoore]

My alternate suggestion would be a hangar!:D You can usually get a 182 hangared for $15-40 a night when out of town (which for me wouldn't be more than 10 nights a year in the 182). I have hangars at 3 locations though (Home, cabin, office), so it's pretty easy for me.

I have on occasion hangared my plane when away from home base. Hangars are not an option at PAO or SQL; if I signed up for one now, my heirs might get one :p and then they would pay $8-900/month for the privilege.

[kwmoore]

Thanks Norm for a very detailed and useful reply, I'll look into some of these options.

[jjbely]

Norm,

Many thanks for the complete review. On a slightly different issue, do you have any advice on lockable fuel caps for the 182 ?

JJ

[nworth]

On a slightly different issue, do you have any advice on lockable fuel caps for the 182 ?
I wish I did. Monarch Air Caps ( http://www.monarchcaps.com/ ) has told me they are working on certified locking fuel caps but I haven't seen anything from them.

So far as I know, there are no locking caps available for the 182.

I have considered looking for some standard locking automotive fuel caps for use on the ground only but have been put off by the possibility that they might leak, allowing water in after a rain.

I would be very interested in learning if anyone figures this out.