A better and more flexible alternative to carrying come-a-longs is learning how to rig mechanical advantage systems with carabiners and prussik ropes. The simplest of which is a "z drag." You are already carrying the rope - you just need a few more items like some carabiners and slings. and the ability to build a variety of anchors - such as deadmen anchors in sand (dig a hold and bury a stick/log with a rope/sling tied around it at a right angle will be a very strong anchor).

Being able to improvise in the backcountry is very helpful.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z-drag

http://dyeclan.com/outdoors101/canyoneering101/?page=deadman-anchor

I am very familuer with this technique...



This is actually what I carry now. https://www.rescueresponse.com/shop/sterling-aztek-elite/

We carry these in our guide packs in AK. Pre-rigged and very easy to use. Instant 4-1 or 5-1. No experience necessary...You can then add another small pulley like a Micro Traxion and create a pull system a child would have the strength for...http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/Pulleys/MICRO-TRAXION?l=INT#.VXCxdyj8Z5g

And you in all of this for under 3 lbs. Building a Deadman anchor is also very easy but you must do it correctly or your in for it. It just takes time. Its actually the longest part of the entire process and you must be good at digging.





The pre-rigged system is also great for a self haul and if you needed to haul another with you...I could go on and on with this. All most need a new thread on the "How Too".

Total thread hijack...now back to the SQ

AKT

Yes, please! I for one would love a how-to thread on that system, Kevin.

Oregon180 wrote:Yes, please! I for one would love a how-to thread on that system, Kevin.

+1

I took a swift water rescue course years ago that covered Z-drags and pig rigs but it has been years since I've used one. I think I could figure it out but a how too thread would be awesome.

Here is what I now carry guys. With a little rope magic you can get 16:1 leverage, and they weigh nothing and take up no room.

http://akcooltools.com/hitchmaster.html

aktahoe1 wrote:I have watched every video and looked at every picture on here a hundred times...Now if July 10th will just hurry up and get here so I can start my build!

AKT

Kevin, I'll try and get new stuff for you as constant and quick as I can! Sacrifice...sacrifice. All I do is sacrifice. Here ya go.



https://vimeo.com/129825496

Barnstormer wrote:

Wow! Amazing video, Phil! That drone shot of your takeoff was really incredible. Gave me goose bumps!!

Really great Phil...looks like you made 40 plus landings in the one video! I wish you had a camera on the ground for each. Really wanna see that SQ flying! Keep posting!!

AKT

Went scouting yesterday, trying to locate some additional close in play areas. This video is about it. Looks like I'll need to start looking afar again. Prefer the 185 for that as it's much faster. If I'm lucky the end of next week will see it flying again, but I'll bet it's more like two weeks away. Oh well it is what it is.


https://vimeo.com/129965745

Phil,

Good job with the energy management turns. Good job getting the turn completed high and the wing level before going back into ground effect.

Jim

Okay I put a ND filter on the camera. And here is the first video with it. It cleaned the prop up a bit but it also dulled the colors and the clarity, but you be the judge. Do the previous videos look better even with the prop artifacts, or do you prefer this one with the ND filter?



https://vimeo.com/138018998

I think it looks fine, Phil. Go try flying the same area really early or near evening when light intensity is a little less. See how it compares.

What do you do when we want to build a couple of runways on an island. Take the SQ2 in first of course and clear out an area so your Carbon Cub and Super Cub friends can land and help. Bring in a float plane and a pontoon boat loaded with beer, whiskey and lawnmowers. Then everyone gets to work clearing a couple of bigger strips. Not too bad for just a day's work.



https://vimeo.com/147900996

*like*

Nice.

Check out that very cool high wing, fixed gear twin radial jog on the akcooltools/hitchmaster page. What/where is it?
Tom

flynbeekeeper wrote:Check out that very cool high wing, fixed gear twin radial jog on the akcooltools/hitchmaster page. What/where is it?
Tom

It's a "Twin Pioneer"

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottis ... in_Pioneer

Are you bringing the sq or the 185 up next year?

AK_Logan wrote:Are you bringing the sq or the 185 up next year?

The SQ2

Awesome. Should be some awesome mountains in the videos next summer!!