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  #1  
Old 03-07-2016, 12:27 AM
trackdom trackdom is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: salon de provence France
Posts: 179
Default 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
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  #2  
Old 03-07-2016, 04:58 AM
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acam37 acam37 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Lufkin Tx
Posts: 689
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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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RV-4 (N124TT) Sold
RV-8 (N269CP) Sold
RV-4 (N684ML) completed 3-17-19
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  #3  
Old 03-07-2016, 05:03 AM
David-aviator David-aviator is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chesterfield, Missouri
Posts: 4,514
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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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  #4  
Old 03-07-2016, 05:48 AM
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RV8Squaz RV8Squaz is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Senoia, Georgia
Posts: 802
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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
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  #5  
Old 03-07-2016, 06:55 AM
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DanH DanH is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: 08A
Posts: 9,500
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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.
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RV-8 SS
Barrett IO-390
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  #6  
Old 03-07-2016, 07:05 AM
eisnerrv4 eisnerrv4 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Halifax, NS
Posts: 179
Thumbs up 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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RV-4 C-GRJT
Bedford Nova Scotia
Canada
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  #7  
Old 03-07-2016, 07:36 AM
AviatorJ AviatorJ is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 913
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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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RV-10, N10JW
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  #8  
Old 03-07-2016, 08:04 AM
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dougweil dougweil is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Hudson, WI
Posts: 244
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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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Hudson, WI
president, Twin Cities RV Builders Group
RV-4, sold
RV-7 completed and flying N722DW, 840 hours
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  #9  
Old 03-07-2016, 08:21 AM
AviatorJ AviatorJ is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 913
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dougweil View Post
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/
My only experience so far is with the trim tabs, I built them so only have myself to blame but there were a bit too 'rounded' so I did essentially what you did and squeezed them more flat. I also ended up with some concaveness but nothing too bad. In a few years I guess I'll find out how it flies.
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RV-10, N10JW
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http://operationrv10.blogspot.com/
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  #10  
Old 03-07-2016, 09:03 AM
rv7charlie rv7charlie is offline
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Pocahontas MS
Posts: 3,884
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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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