Guys I have to ship an airplane out. It's A fiberglass fuse and balsa wing. I was wondering if there are any alternatives to building a crate? The plane weighs about 23 lbs.

I would really be interested in hearing what you guys are doing.

Thanks, Pete

Hi Pete
I would suggest finding a box big enough to fit the plane into
Then take to a local UPS Store and have them pack it and insure for the value of the plane

If you have the UPS store pack it it will cost a little more BUT they will be responsible for any damage if any occurs
Frank

Pete,
Haven't tried shipping a jet but have shipped some 30% and 35% planes via Greyhound using a large wardrobe packing case I got from U Haul. On those I had to remove the stabs and rudder on one, then just made basic foam blocks to hold the fuse centered in the box and keep the ends from punching through the box. Then I started wadding up news paper and stuffed every nook of open space with crumpled up paper. Don't know if this will work for you or even if it is a good thing to chance, but it worked for me two times.

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. I was wondering if anyone had ever used a box.

The tailgroup is not removable, but I think I can get around that.

Pete

Pete,

What I have seen done a few times is this: purchase a few sheets of 1/4 4x8 plywood and some 2x2 stock, and use drywall screws to create a box, usually with a full sheet of 4x8 as the top and the bottom, and a ripped down to 2' sheet to make the sides and ends.

The 2x2s make a framework around the perimeter of the top+ bottom and at the end corners. Goes together with drywall screws. Probably only takes 30-40 mins to make. Then the plane is stapped down on some styrofoam and/or urethane foam .. must be strapped pretty tight to keep it from slamming around.

Then ship by truck .. I have gotten planes via YRC (formerly Yellow Freight). Rates are $200-$300 depending on distance, can be insured for full value, a recent shipment from Colorado to my place in MD took about 3 days.

Seems like a great way to go...

Others seem very happy with Greyhound if you can get it to fit in their max size box, and I believe it's a bit cheaper too...

Dave

Ditto Dave's idea. Also, if you ship with spar tube in place, you can add some framing around it to give some more support.

George

Checkout our ellow pages and look for a business called ,"Freighters and Craters." I use them for all m boxxing and the can also ship if it is 2 large for grehound to handle. never have had an problems with them