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  #1  
Old 08-04-2008, 07:19 AM
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Janekom Janekom is offline
 
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Question Rudder trim - or not?

We have started with the rudder now and I am trying to make up my mind on the rudder trim. I would love some input on this.
Is it really needed or just a luxury?
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  #2  
Old 08-04-2008, 07:32 AM
vic syracuse vic syracuse is online now
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Default Rudder trim

Jan, I have put adjustable rudder trim on my last 2 RV's, having had the fixed trim on the first 2. It depends on the type of flying you do. If it's primarily at one altitude/speed, then a fixed trim will work fine. If do a lot of cross-country, and you fly high and on autopilot, it is really nice to be able to completely trim the airplane for climb, cruise, and descent. I really like seeing the airplane completely trimmed in all 3 axis while in cruise, especially when IMC.
Better to have it and not need it then to not have it and want it.

Vic
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  #3  
Old 08-04-2008, 04:14 PM
tacoboy tacoboy is offline
 
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Location: Sturgis, SD
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Default Do it

Jan,

I would do it now, it takes a bit of extra work, but you will be happy later

Pete Sanchez
N615PS
RV-10
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  #4  
Old 08-04-2008, 05:50 PM
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RV10inOz RV10inOz is offline
 
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Location: Brisbane Qld. Aust.
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Default

I would install a small tab while assembling, a small fixed tab is cheap and easy to adjust. Once set for the cruise its all you need.

I see some have made electric rudder trim units however this is nice but a lot of work.

For me a small fixed tab will do.

DB
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  #5  
Old 08-04-2008, 09:50 PM
guccidude1 guccidude1 is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Reno NV
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Default RE: Rudder trim

I have just returned from a 32.5 hour x-country trip and as soon as I returned, I ordered the ML Skunkworks rudder trim. I have a 16 month old 9A with 230 TT. The system works on the same principle as the aileron trim, biased springs. The good part is that it is installed under the instrument panel with the two arms clamped to the rudder bars. A very clean install. I would encourage you to check it out before cutting the rudder and engineering then installing the associated monkey motion. Dan.
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  #6  
Old 08-05-2008, 01:16 AM
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Janekom Janekom is offline
 
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Default

Dan, being in South Africa I have no idea who and what the Skunkworks trim is? Any more info or a website?
Thanks.
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Jan Hanekom
South Africa
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RV7A - ZU-JRV - (Flying)
RV10 - ZU-JVR - (Written off)
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  #7  
Old 08-05-2008, 03:39 AM
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AntiGravity AntiGravity is offline
 
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Default Google is your friend

I put "ML Skunkworks" into Google and got one hit.
This one :-)

http://www.mlskunkworks.embarqspace.com/
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  #8  
Old 08-05-2008, 03:50 AM
8CW 8CW is offline
 
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Location: Winston-Salem, NC
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Default M.L. Skunkworks

Quote:
Originally Posted by Janekom View Post
Dan, being in South Africa I have no idea who and what the Skunkworks trim is? Any more info or a website?
Thanks.
Try This...

http://www.mlskunkworks.embarqspace....rim/4528455343
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Bill Settle
RV-8 N38CW (Reserved)
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  #9  
Old 08-05-2008, 06:48 AM
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Webb Webb is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Jackson, MS
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Default Springs on rudder peddles

Seems like there were threads about springs on the peddles to keep the rudder from flapping in the breeze when parked. If I recall, some put 2 springs on right side so it acted like a trim tab.

Wouldn't this work?

I'm asking because I am thinking about the springs instead of a tab install since paint time is coming up.
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