Sea Bee & Widgeon Belly Pad Jacking System – Flat Lift Plates for Vintage Amphibians

The Aircraft Jacking Solutions 4360-6 is a complete aircraft jacking system designed specifically for Republic RC-3 Sea Bee and Grumman G-44 Widgeon amphibious aircraft. It provides a safe and stable method for lifting these unique airframes during landing gear maintenance, tire changes, wheel bearing service, hull inspections, and other maintenance procedures. Its belly pad design allows the aircraft to be supported from the fuselage rather than the landing gear. This configuration provides access that many conventional jacking methods cannot achieve.

The belly pad system is designed to support the aircraft from reinforced areas of the fuselage where landing loads are absorbed into the airframe structure. This lifting method is particularly beneficial for maintenance procedures that require unrestricted access to the landing gear. Unlike gear-mounted lifting methods, belly pad systems can allow gear leg removal and detailed inspection of landing gear attachment structures. For amphibious aircraft such as the Sea Bee and Widgeon, this approach offers significant maintenance advantages.

The 4360-6 supports a wide variety of maintenance procedures, including tire replacement, brake servicing, wheel bearing maintenance, landing gear inspections, hull inspections, and landing gear removal. Because the aircraft is supported from the fuselage, technicians can gain improved access to gear-related components. This can simplify inspections and repairs that may be difficult with conventional jacking equipment. The system is particularly valuable for maintaining vintage amphibious aircraft.

The Republic Sea Bee and Grumman Widgeon feature unique amphibious airframe designs that differ significantly from conventional land-based aircraft. The 4360-6 was specifically engineered around the fuselage geometry and maintenance requirements of these aircraft. Its flat lift plates are designed to contact appropriate belly support areas while helping distribute loads safely. This aircraft-specific design provides a lifting solution that generic aircraft jacks often cannot match.

The 4360-6 utilizes flat lift pads with bonded rubber surfaces and nylon-lined inserts to help protect aircraft finishes during lifting operations. These materials help reduce the likelihood of scratches, paint damage, or unwanted movement while the aircraft is supported. This is especially important for vintage Sea Bee and Widgeon aircraft, where preserving original airframe condition is often a priority. Proper pad placement further helps distribute loads safely across the support area.

The built-in hydraulic safety stop provides a mechanical safeguard against unintended lowering while the aircraft is raised. Once the desired lifting height is reached, technicians can engage the safety stop to help protect against hydraulic pressure loss or accidental release. This added layer of protection helps create a safer working environment during maintenance. The safety stop should always be engaged before beginning work on the aircraft.

The Aircraft Jacking Solutions 4360-6 has a rated lifting capacity of 3,800 lbs. This capacity is designed to accommodate the Republic Sea Bee and Grumman Widgeon when used in accordance with approved maintenance procedures and manufacturer recommendations. Operators should always verify proper aircraft compatibility and lifting points before use. Following rated capacity limits is essential for safe aircraft jacking operations.

Proper belly pad placement helps ensure lifting loads are distributed evenly across approved structural areas of the aircraft. Aircraft Jacking Solutions recommends centering the T-stand beneath the aircraft centerline and positioning the pads beneath the appropriate fuselage support structure. Incorrect placement could reduce stability or place unnecessary stress on the airframe. Careful setup is one of the most important steps in a safe jacking procedure.

A pre-use inspection helps identify potential issues before the aircraft is lifted. Operators should examine the hydraulic jack, safety stop, slide tubes, lift pads, outriggers, and related components for wear, damage, or low hydraulic fluid levels. Detecting problems early helps prevent equipment failures and improves maintenance safety. Regular inspections are an important part of responsible aircraft jack ownership.

The Aircraft Jacking Solutions 4360-6 includes a lifetime warranty to the original owner on structural lift components, including the lift pads, slide tubes, outrigger assemblies, and hydraulic jack body. This warranty reflects the manufacturer's commitment to durability and long-term support. For aircraft owners, restoration shops, and maintenance facilities, the warranty provides additional confidence in the system's long-term value. It also helps protect the investment in specialized amphibious aircraft maintenance equipment.