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Aileron response
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 |
Just learning to fly my -4. Thats just the way they are. I was taught to use two fingers on the stick during my transition training. In my mind I was barely moving the stick, but the plane was making drastic changes in pitch and bank. They are touchy by design.
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It is a 2 finger operation, in time you will relax a bit and it becomes second nature.
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Trackdom,
My suggestion is to leave the ailerons the way they are. In 50 hours you will learn to appreciate the roll response and love it. Fly it with two fingers now as others have said. Jerry Esquenazi RV-8 N84JE. 1100 hours |
They will indeed seem twitchy when transitioning from something else, but yes, they can be tuned for less sensitivity. Trailing edge shape has a large effect.
Mine (QB ailerons) were way more sensitive than I preferred, but some trailing edge squeezing fixed it...light in the lower end of the speed range, firmer at higher speeds. |
Touchy Ailerons
Like everyone is saying RVs are very light on the controls. I wouldn't touch a thing, love the response of my 4. You will get use to the handling and will become second nature to you.
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Sad to admit but I flew in my first RV this weekend and happened to be a 10. Didn't takeoff or land but was able to do some maneuvering from the right seat for about 20 mins. I was amazed at how sensitive the stick was, as others mentioned I just used two fingers and got used to it fairly quick.
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Yes, RVs have outstanding aileron response. However, it's worthwhile to be sure the ailerons were built correctly. Here is an article about my experience with my RV-7:
http://www.mnwing.org/building-tips/twitchy-ailerons/ |
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The comments about aileron trailing edge making a difference are spot on (rounded means lighter; sharper edged means heavier). 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.
But, the planes aren't twitchy, even with rounded trailing edges. It's all about what you've calibrated your hands and arms to expect. For example, few Cessna pilots complain about a 182's handling, but to me, they feel like the controls are binding all the time. If you don't re-trim for landing, it takes both hands (and a reasonably strong back) to flair. :-) Here's a tip to compensate until you recalibrate your touch. Ignore your stick grip and slide your hand down the stick 4 - 6 inches (sorry; 10-15 cm). You won't move your hand as far, but pressure will go up; closer to what you're probably used to feeling. Another benefit is that you can rest your forearm on your leg, and use that as a stabilizer. Then you can use your wrist and fingers for control, instead of your arm strength. This will give another perceived increase in stick force. I find it more comfortable, and do most of my flying this way, except during t/o, landing, and 'high energy' maneuvering like acro. FWIW... Charlie |
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My two cents
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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. |
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!
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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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A suggestion to consider which worked for me until I got acclimated to the roll response is to hold the stick a little lower.
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I highly recommend that you do the shape check that I described in THIS POST Once you have confirmed that the shape is correct, Then you can assume that what everyone has suggested is correct...... "that you just aren't accustomed to the airplane yet". |
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