A South African company, Avinex, believes it has a solution for all those GA operators who have strained their backs pulling a light aircraft out of its hangar, or indeed damaged the aeroplane's tail in said manoeuvre. The Wingwalker is said to be a "simple, rugged design that allows you to move any light or twin-engined aircraft forwards or backwards with very little effort".

Made mostly out of steel, the contraption has different attachments for most light aircraft, ranging from the C150 to the Beechcraft Baron. Gearing can also be specified to fit the aircraft's weight and surface conditions.

The Wingwalker was conceived by Gary Wiblin, a flight instructor and former toolmaker based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Tired of tender vertebrae, he sketched a prototype device. The first prototype had some problems with gearing, Wiblin reports; two attempts later, he believes he has come up with a "good sturdy design that works extremely well"."The great thing about the Wingwalker is that it doesn't refuse to start just when you need it most, it doesn't make an awful racket, it can be carried in the aircraft if need be, and it is relatively cheap to buy," said Wiblin.

The device costs US$385. A dealership has been set up in the UK, and details can be found at www.wingwalker.co.za