Frustrating wing heavy

[TSwezey]

Our right wing was heavy so we lowered the wing tip slightly which helped to where it was close enough. We cut out some material and was able to flex the tip down some.

[sportpilot]

My wingtips had a bad bow on the trailing edges both sides and were way out of line to the aileron/flap neutral setting. I had to split them open along the trailing edge (with a hacksaw blade) and grind out material to get a flat fit. I packed them again with flox and resin and made a board clamp extending on to the aileron (in neutral position) and clamped them till cured. that was before first flight. a small amount of flex in the trailing edge of those wingtips will act like a trim tab.

[Space Cadet]

Okay, I've double checked most of the things. I noticed: Wing incidence angles appear to match within 1-deg, or my ability to measure them. That's a relief. Ailerons held their previous adjustment, but one could do with a bit more change. Flap (up) angles are pretty darn close, but the left side is up about 3/32" relative to the fuse bottom, while the right is pretty much even.

So, now that I've vented and gotten more advice, I think I'll try the following and see if/what makes the difference.

1) Adjust one aileron further
2) Lower left flap slightly to be even with fuse bottom like the right
3) Adjust left wing tip upward curvature

I'll report back next weekend after testing those in order.

Thanks,
Dwight

[TroyBranch]

Originally Posted by Space Cadet

Troy, I assume you're imbalance was small, say within the range of a fuel imbalance?

Dwight

I could just trim it out with full tanks. If I burnt fuel out of the heavy tank first I needed less trim. I cut and moved all my tips trailing edge as well (they were a mess as stock) but it just was not quite enough. Next step was the hinges but I opted for the trim tab.

[jc11378]

Originally Posted by Space Cadet

Okay, I've double checked most of the things. I noticed: Wing incidence angles appear to match within 1-deg, or my ability to measure them. That's a relief. Ailerons held their previous adjustment, but one could do with a bit more change. Flap (up) angles are pretty darn close, but the left side is up about 3/32" relative to the fuse bottom, while the right is pretty much even.

So, now that I've vented and gotten more advice, I think I'll try the following and see if/what makes the difference.

1) Adjust one aileron further
2) Lower left flap slightly to be even with fuse bottom like the right
3) Adjust left wing tip upward curvature

I'll report back next weekend after testing those in order.

Thanks,
Dwight

Well I would start by getting the flaps exactly even. 3/32 on the rt side lower then the left side would make a large lt wing heavy. I have been there more then once. I would start there. Let us know what worked for you.

John

[RV10Rob]

I have the same issue (heavy right wing), which is solved by placing a 6" long and 1/4" thick trim tab on the bottom of the left aileron. I checked, rechecked, and triple checked everything, but couldn't get it fixed, so am just using the tab. Van's says it's normal and no big deal and told me that the prototype RV-10 and Van's personal RV-10 both have aileron tabs. The plane flies straight otherwise.

Don't bother messing with the flaps--it makes little difference (I tried), and you want the flaps up against the spar in reflex; otherwise, you're stressing the flap actuation components at cruise speeds.

-Rob

[Space Cadet]

Flew short test flight today after fixing #1 and #2 (more aileron adjustment and flap adjustment). No real noticeable change, maybe slightly better. I now doubt #3 (adjust wing tip angle) will do anything either, but I've got the fix in place and epoxy drying, so will test it later in the week. I'm nothing if not obstinate.

Rob, thanks and good comment on the flap adjustment, I think the one I adjusted is indeed off the stop now so will set it back again, especially since it made almost no difference.

Can someone post a link to a picture of the tab (or where to find the instructions) so I know what I'm doing?

Thanks,
Dwight

[N363RV]

Do you have speed fairings on? If these are not aligned just right, you can have asymmetrical drag that might cause the symptoms you are describing. There are a few other threads describing this condition. Good luck in solving your problem.

[RV Jerry]

One degree diference in incidene is alot I typicaly try to get them witin one tenth of a degree
good luck ,Jerry

[N208ET]

Originally Posted by RV Jerry

One degree diference in incidene is alot I typicaly try to get them witin one tenth of a degree
good luck ,Jerry

One degree is a big difference, how are the stall characteristics, one wing dip when things are coordinated.

Randy 8A