I have recently checked into this company: http://
www.casetechnology.com/lightweightATA/
Their instant online calculator gave a price of $406 for a case with
an id of 13x13x65 with 1.5 inch foam liner, casters, and a
retractable handle. Ought to hold two or three TD ships.
Looks sturdy enough. I got a quick response from them asking for
more info. I haven't ordered one and can't speak to the quality of
the build.
I agree with Jim below... I think if you pack your plane in a JimBag
or equivalent and some padding you are probably safe with one
airplane in a SportTube. I shipped two once and got a small split in
an LE for my trouble.
I tried hard to get a straight answer about excess baggage charges by
phone with Delta. No luck, not a no, but not a yes either. Check
out the website of your airline, most have a section about "sporting
gear" in the luggage info section. They say they will allow skis,
snowboards, golf clubs, other such toys. One could certainly argue
that a SportTube fits in, and also that sailplanes are sporting
toys. If your airport will allow curbside check-in, a nice tip to
the check-in guys is often all that's needed.
That still leaves the TSA problem. I generally put a big sign on my
SportTube that says "Sporting Goods" then another sticker or two
with instructions for TSA stating that the contents are fragile model
airplanes and asking to be paged for inspection. I was never paged
and don't think I had mine torn apart. Jim's advice about making it
fool proof is important to heed.
Barry Andersen
On Jan 10, 2006, at 3:58 PM, Jim Laurel wrote:
Just make sure you put something inside to keep the TSA goons from
smashing your rudder/tail when they close it back up. I put some
wooden sticks in mine, cut to the right length and taped in with
duct tape, but that's not the best way, as I learned...
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