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-   -   Aileron response (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=135426)

Auburntsts 03-07-2016 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rv7charlie (Post 1060230)
Note that the RV-9 (heavier controls) has wedge shaped inserts in the trailing edges instead of the 'folded' trailing edges on the other 2 seat RV's.

Same on the RV-10. The trailing edges are riveted with an AEX wedge in between the top and bottom skins, so the shape is basically pre-determined. The hard part is keeping the trailing edge straight during the riveting process otherwise you will end up with undesirable flying qualities.

Chkaharyer99 03-07-2016 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trackdom (Post 1060136)
Hi,
I fly my RV 8 since a Few days , just 3 Hours, and I am quite surprised by roll response...at 150 kts or above it's hard to get a slow bank.
Can I change something in The controls? Waiting for a response from Van's.
Thanks

A light touch on the stick. You will adapt. Have fun!

Caveman 03-07-2016 11:51 AM

My two cents
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by trackdom (Post 1060136)
Hi,
I fly my RV 8 since a Few days , just 3 Hours, and I am quite surprised by roll response...at 150 kts or above it's hard to get a slow bank.
Can I change something in The controls? Waiting for a response from Van's.
Thanks

Before building, I took the RV-7 demo flight at Van's. I thought the airplane's handling was awesome. Sporty and quick but yet confidence inspiring. You just thought about where you wanted the plane to go and it was there. Like everyone says, " a two finger airplane". When I did my first flight after building, I was in for a surprise. My ailerons seems very twitchy in comparison to the demo plane. Almost but not quite to the point of introducing PIO. I didn't like it as well. A few minutes gently squeezing the aileron trailing edges worked like magic. Listen to Dan H! My suggestion is to go up in another RV-8 or two first and ask to take the controls for comparison before proceeding. If they fly more to your liking than your airplane take Dan's advice.

rvbuilder2002 03-07-2016 01:55 PM

The great handling that the RV airplanes are known for is often not realized because of incorrect trailing edge shape on control surfaces (on models without riveted trailing edges).

This can be an issue on rudder and elevators as well as the ailerons.

If you think your handling/control response is not correct, indiscriminately changing the shape is not a very good idea (even if you don't think so, this is a check that should be done on every RV if the owner doesn't know for sure they are correct).

Instead, the actual shape should be checked compared to what it should be and then adjustments made accordingly.

Paragraph 5.7 of construction manual Section 5 (Access a copy HERE) explains how to check the shape and then make adjustments if required.

lr172 03-07-2016 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002 (Post 1060308)
The great handling that the RV airplanes are known for is often not realized because of incorrect trailing edge shape on control surfaces (on models without riveted trailing edges).

This can be an issue on rudder and elevators as well as the ailerons.

If you think your handling/control response is not correct, indiscriminately changing the shape is not a very good idea (even if you don't think so, this is a check that should be done on every RV if the owner doesn't know for sure they are correct).

Instead, the actual shape should be checked compared to what it should be and then adjustments made accordingly.

Paragraph 5.7 of construction manual Section 5 (Access a copy HERE) explains how to check the shape and then make adjustments if required.

Scott,

After squeezing and banging on my TE's, I am quite happy with the feel of my ailerons. However, as I was reading this thread I got to wondering about my elevators. My 6A is very pitch sensitive and I wouldn't mind toning it down just a bit if I could. Does the this type of exercise apply to the elevators as well as the ailerons?

Larry

rvbuilder2002 03-07-2016 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002 (Post 1060308)
The great handling that the RV airplanes are known for is often not realized because of incorrect trailing edge shape on control surfaces (on models without riveted trailing edges).

This can be an issue on rudder and elevators as well as the ailerons.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lr172 (Post 1060343)
Scott,

After squeezing and banging on my TE's, I am quite happy with the feel of my ailerons. However, as I was reading this thread I got to wondering about my elevators. My 6A is very pitch sensitive and I wouldn't mind toning it down just a bit if I could. Does the this type of exercise apply to the elevators as well as the ailerons?

Larry

As already mentioned, it definitely can.

It can cause lighter than designed pitch forces, a dead band in the control range, and a reduction in pitch stability.

It can have an influence on the rudder performance as well.

Neal@F14 03-07-2016 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AviatorJ (Post 1060197)
Sad to admit but I flew in my first RV this weekend and happened to be a 10.

If you thought the 10 was responsive on the stick, just wait until you get to fly a 4 or a 6 :D

BTW, the way to fly an 8 is with your forearm rested on your leg behind the knee and your thumb and forefinger on the stick grip... Unless you're doing acro of course, then you'll want a more solid grip on the stick.

Toobuilder 03-07-2016 06:27 PM

All a matter of perspective. The RV-8 is certainly sporty compared to a spam can, but downright slow compared to other airplanes - especially aerobatic ships.

Just give it time and alow yourself to adapt.

tthrew 03-07-2016 07:42 PM

I agree with rv7charlie
 
Yep. I agree with rv7charlie. I have about 450 hrs total, 65 hrs in my 7A. When I was getting rv training, I was coming in for a landing and was unstable, I asked Tom Berge, why am I getting blown all over the place; it's not that windy. He responded, it's you. I said no way. He said let go of the stick. I did and the plane immediately settled down. You just need to get used to the responsive controls. Once you do, it's a blast. I love my 7A!

trackdom 03-08-2016 04:35 AM

Thanks...
 
It is such a pleasure to read your flight experiences. Vans are so light with controls that it's easy to stress the structure at speeds above Va. I am sure now that all is normal, that's a matter of touch.


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