Yoke Clip on the PA-28

[hobbit1983]

Further to the discussion in the "Essential Pilot Gear" thread, what is your opinion/experience/reasoning with regard to yoke clips, specifically those intended for use with the PA-28.

I've just got one - I'm currently using it (I did check with my flying instructor beforehand....) and I find it useful.

I've been told that there is no problem with me using one by my FTO, but it has been mentioned in the Pilot gear thread that it could potentially cause some.

Discussion and advice welcome.

(Did a search on this - found posts on people using them, but no mention of problems/correct usage etc. )

[Established Localiser]

Out of interest

where did you get it from ?

& how much was it ?

I was considering getting one for our PA28.

Cheers

EL

[Flyin'Dutch']

If you mean the one that you can use to clip on some paper, such as plates: The usual outlets do them for something like a tenner.

There should be no problem with them as the load on them is light.

If you start strapping on something heavy like a big GPS you may find that more cumbersome and you have to ensure that nothing will snag with it in any configuration of the controls and any other bit you need during the flight.

Theoretically you also can get a balance problem if your yoke gets heavy with flutter etc but on the whole that is more an issue with gliders and sticks.

Never heard that any powered aeroplane got into trouble due to a yoke mounted GPS and assume (dangerous!) that it would have happened if it was going to be a problem.

[hobbit1983]

It came from Transair's London outlet - it was a Xmas present that cost £60 (!)

Yes, it is a bit expensive, but it looks very durable and sturdy. It's a US manufacturer, and is designed to specifically fit the yoke of Piper Aircraft. Hence, it sits very well in between the yoke handles, and doesn't impinge on the travel of the control column, and neither does it prevent full movement of same.

All I'm going to stick on it is maps and approach plates - I don't have a flying suit with kneeboards, and I find strappable kneeboards cumbersome and maybe dangerous - I recall recently that a student heli pilot damaged his aircraft when his kneeboard came loose and restricted the controls. Can't find a link - will post if I find one.

Thanks for the input - I asked the flying school I'm with and they said it was fine.

Flyin'Dutch - did see the £10 one, but it seemed a bit flimsy (looked like a bulldog clip on a stick) so decided to ask Father Christmas for the shiny other one :ok:

[Cusco]

If you mean 'yoke mount' for a GPS for example, then success will depend on the weight of the GPS : I had no problem with a GPS 90 but the Garmin 295 was far too heavy and vibrated so I couldn't read it unless I held yoke with 2 hands (after dynamic balancing of prop for you smart *rses).
If you just mean a clip for charts then unless your charts weigh 800gm I don't see a problem.
Which begs the question why don't you stick your charts on your knee like everybody else does?

Safe flying

Cusco

PS I've often wondered what the affect of a yoke mounted GPS would be on a pilots chest in the case of sudden deceleration as in a crash (hate that word) landing.
I can still vividly remember a trip to AAIB Farnborough when the cockpit dials of the Korean Airlines Transport which crashed at Stansted a few years still had bits of pilot in them.

[hobbit1983]

Which begs the question why don't you stick your charts on your knee like everybody else does?

Because I find it cumbersome and unwieldy. Besides, if there's unused space right in front of me, and placing said clip on it won't cause any problems, why not use it? It would seem to me that it would be safer from an obstruction (and maybe a lookout point of view, but only just) point of view anyway.