Topic: Chipmunk luggage space

[john henderson]

I am aware of the fact that a small number of chipmunks (5 ?) were once modified to have baggage lockers in the wings.  I believe it was a UK originated (non De Havilland) approved mod, but I have been unable to find any documentation.  My understanding is that each could take up to 20 lb, and that aeros were prohibited when the lockers were loaded!  This mod would make the chipmunk much more practical for touring.  Does anybody have any info?

[Rob Merrylees]

A few Chipmuks in Australia have been modified and fitted with luggage Lockers in the wings.  VH-UEU has a large wing locker in each wing located behind the main spar and and extending back to the rear spar.There may be other Australian Chipmunks modified using the same drawings.  VH-AKW has a single locker of the same design located in one wing only.  VH-UPD is fitted with a much smaller locker that does not extend back to the rear spar.  I do not know if the British CAA would approve modifications using these drawings.

[john henderson]

Rob thanks for that, do you know if there are drawings available? or any written or approved proceedure in Australia.  we have got to start somewhere and if we could additional luggage space it would make extended trips a lot easier

[Rob Merrylees]

I can not answer your question directly myself, but I will search out the names annd addresses of people who may be able to help.  The most recent conversion that I know of was carried out on David MacGibbons VH-AKW, and that was propably done ten years ago.  It  is very similar to the two locker modification on our VH-UEU, possibly done to the same drawings.  Tim Becroft would possibly know who had the drawings.  Unfortuately he is due to go into hospital, but I will ask him when he gets in better health.

[john henderson]

Thanks Rob

Much appreciated

[chipmunkflyer]

John et al ......christmas and new year greetings to all chipmunk drivers

Whilst with Bristol Aircraft back in the early 60's Peter Masefield raised eight mods for G-AOTM and BAL/Chip/2 is shown as Baggage
Compartments in Wings ....page 12 of Chipmunk Flight Manual DH 2.2 has a 3 view drawing including the position of the Lockers.

It should be possible to obtain details of this mod from the A & C Department of the CAA at Gatwick and thus save having to go to the expensive of raising a major modification.

From a photo on file I can see that the leading edge of the locker cover is level with the front of the wing walkway rubber, is slotted under at the front and retained by three Dzus fastners on the sides and lower end.

Hope this helps

Best

Rod

[john henderson]

Thanks very much again Rod. I have now contacted the CAA,- watch this space!

[Janie]

Hi John

Was any progress made on this?

[john henderson]

Hi Janie

Yes and no!!!! CAA very helpful.  They recognised the BAL mod no and pointed out that my Chipmunk Mk 22A already has provision for operation with the baggage lockers installed (it appears twice in my Flight Manual), but although they checked their files they were unable to produce the relevant drawings, etc.  They recommended I talk to De Havilland.  They don't have the drawing.  I went back to The CAA man who has pointed me at a Canadian Co who also apparently installed this mod.  i will let you know if i get anything

The mod allows two wing lockers 20lb weight in each, with no aero's or public transport work if the lockers are loaded.  I think it would be a huge improvement, all we need is the drawings. Can anybody help?

[Janie]

I've put the question of drawings to the Oshkosh365 forum at www.Oshkosh365.org.

The moderator is a big fan of the Chipmunk which may help.

I'll report back if I get any leads.

[Janie]

Sadly only one reply, so far, from the Al Sauer owner/operator of WK639/N6540C out of Seattle, who said his mate Bob recommends talking to de Havilland Support!

Oh well!

[Gee]

We are also highly interested in the luggage part of the "Masefield conversion".
Learning that there is no drawing at the CAA and DH Support is a bad news.

Did anybody try via the Bristol archives or contact the Masefield family ?

Gee

[john henderson]

Not yet, have been busy elsewhere!! Yes we should try Bristol as it was a Bristol mod.. anybody have any contact details for them?