For those of you with aircraft that have fuel caps further outboard, what to you carry to access the caps? I'm looking for a nice stepping stool that is compact. In the past with a 182 with a similar gas cap location, we either carried a bulky metal step ladder or I'd use my cooler when on a trip. It probably needs to be in the ball park of 20-24" tall.

Try this -doubles as a seat -strong enough to hold up wheel of airplane while changing tire > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_box about 9 lbs goes next to survial kit in extended baggage and tools .

Most places have ladders or steps. I have used my camp chair, seems to work well.

I've thought about using my camp chair too. Rather use something already in the plane for when away from a place that has a ladder.

Look at this link. A little expensive but might work.

http://www.sportys.com/PilotShop/product/12662

31" bushwheels will solve the problem

http://www.amazon.com/Wel-Bilt-Folding-Aluminum-Platform-Capacity/dp/B0039ZC434

Not that expensive and doubles as a table.

windy wrote:31" bushwheels will solve the problem

I think it would actually make the problen worse on a C205... But damn, a 205 on 31s would be sweet!

I carry the predecessor to that aluminum one from Sporty's; mine has wooden steps and aluminum legs. It's very compact and light--I keep it under the back seat of the airplane. My airplane doesn't have steps on the cowl or struts, and there have been many times when I needed to get up there and there was no other ladder nearby.

Cary

Been thinking about this for a new product someday. Something really light but stable, folds up small. Not just a step stool, but something you can get high enough on to fuel the airplane with confidence and stability. Thinking about carbon fiber tubing and honeycomb panels. How much of a market does anyone think there would be for this kind of equipment, at $50, $75, $100, $150, $200 ???

I'm a tall guy, so my perspective may be skewed, but with competition like that Amazon listing, I'm not sure there is much to be gained.

I would pay for a ladder that can fuel an amphib floatplane. A ladder which is folding, lightweight and has a reasonable price would certainly be useful. Most FBOs have a good set of ladders available, but the MoGas scene may be different? The size (guessing) would need to be equivalent to about an 8 foot step ladder, in my estimation.

I originally had something like these Rhino stools in mind, but they seem to only make them about a foot high.

http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Rhino-Stool-Short-Green/dp/B004VNYX4G

How much of a market does anyone think there would be for this kind of equipment, at $50, $75, $100, $150, $200 ???

If you are really clever and the exotic materials could have multiple transformations such as two camp chairs 18" off the ground, a reasonable table 29" off the ground, a stable ladder good for 300 lbs at 3 feet off the ground, pack up small and weigh closer to 5 lbs rather than 10, I would probably eventually succumb to temptation even at the upper prices.

Personally I just keep Tinkerbell in the baggage comp in a velvet bag. She only weighs 6 oz., can open all fuel caps, & can lift most fuel hoses. Occasionally I do have to help lift the hose about 3' from the nozzle.

If I were you I'd check up on Wonder Woman or Mighty Mouse for availability.

P.S. Rudolph can't get the fuel cap back on tightly due to his hoofs, so You should pass on him.

Grassstrippilot wrote:For those of you with aircraft that have fuel caps further outboard, what to you carry to access the caps? I'm looking for a nice stepping stool that is compact. In the past with a 182 with a similar gas cap location, we either carried a bulky metal step ladder or I'd use my cooler when on a trip. It probably needs to be in the ball park of 20-24" tall.

Here's some choices: http://www.thefind.com/furniture/info-f ... =1&local=0

We carry one of these in the 130 http://www.littlegiantladder.com/ ........might be overkill for a 205 though

Glidergeek wrote:

Grassstrippilot wrote:For those of you with aircraft that have fuel caps further outboard, what to you carry to access the caps? I'm looking for a nice stepping stool that is compact. In the past with a 182 with a similar gas cap location, we either carried a bulky metal step ladder or I'd use my cooler when on a trip. It probably needs to be in the ball park of 20-24" tall.

Here's some choices: http://www.thefind.com/furniture/info-f ... =1&local=0

I see a couple of contenders there. Thanks!