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  #1  
Old 12-09-2012, 09:26 PM
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bhassel bhassel is offline
 
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Default Aileron Trim - Manual or Electric?

What about Aileron Trim? Should I go manual or electric?

Thanks,

Bob
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  #2  
Old 12-10-2012, 08:53 AM
yakdriver yakdriver is offline
 
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Location: Twin Falls, ID
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The manual trim works great and is cheap and simple. Plus you don't have an ugly tab hanging off the aileron. Don
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  #3  
Old 12-10-2012, 09:13 AM
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L.Adamson L.Adamson is offline
 
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Location: KSLC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yakdriver View Post
The manual trim works great and is cheap and simple. Plus you don't have an ugly tab hanging off the aileron. Don
Except, everyone that flew my RV6A with that little tab hanging off the aileron...........preferred the "feel" of it. It was also electric. Their planes had the bias system. I know that "biased" spring trim is usually used these days, for it's simplicity. But if I was ever to do it again, I'd always incorporate a tab of one form or another. I've never liked bias springs.

edit: PS.... my (elec) elevator & aileron were operated from a four way hat switch on the stick. Worked better, than I ever could have imagined.

L.Adamson

Last edited by L.Adamson : 12-10-2012 at 09:15 AM.
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  #4  
Old 12-10-2012, 09:25 AM
RV7ator RV7ator is offline
 
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Location: Boise, ID
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I've used both manual and electric, either was biasing Van's spring. (Trim tab vs. spring is a different issue.) I'm sticking with electric for only two reasons. First, the manual lever of the Van's installation is a real PITA for groping between the seat cushions to find and move it. Second, Van's manual set-up relies on friction to keep the position; the spring pulls on that end, too, so eventually it creeps out of position. There's a friction adjustment, but getting to it to compensate for nylon oozing over time requires removing the seat pans.

John Siebold
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  #5  
Old 12-26-2012, 05:42 PM
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ColoCardinal ColoCardinal is offline
 
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Location: Morrison, CO
Posts: 372
Unhappy Aileron trim

I can't seem to locate my drawing of the electric trim. I'm also missing the springs and whatever else attaches it all to the controls and need to order those parts. Without the drawing that's a problem. Can anyone help with that?
Thanks!
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  #6  
Old 12-26-2012, 05:58 PM
Rupester Rupester is offline
 
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Location: Mahomet, Illinois
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Default I REALLY like my manual trim ...

It's simple, straightforward, and works like a charm. Unlike someone said, there is no "groping" for it. It's but a few inches straight below the throttle and mixture knobs. Trimming for straight & level seldom requires more than a 1/4 turn of the knob .... usually far less. With my center-panel location for the flaps and fuel pump switches, all the controls I need in the pattern are within about 10". It is convenient, easy, and natural - even on my first two or three flights. I would go manual trim again, no question.
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  #7  
Old 12-26-2012, 06:10 PM
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RV6_flyer RV6_flyer is offline
 
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My background is Electrical Engineering.

I built my RV-6 over 15-years ago. I installed manual Aileron trim, manual, elevator trim, and manual flaps.

The manual stuff is cheaper and works well. I saw no reason to spend more money and end up with additional stuff to break.
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  #8  
Old 12-26-2012, 06:18 PM
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Mel Mel is online now
 
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Ditto everything that Gary said except that aileron trim wasn't available when I built, 20 years ago. Add manual aileron trim when it became available and love it.
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  #9  
Old 12-26-2012, 06:28 PM
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hevansrv7a hevansrv7a is offline
 
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Location: Detroit, MI
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Default Maybe neither

I originally installed the manual that uses springs. I don't remember an electric option at the time.

When I am hand-flying the airplane I don't notice any tendency to roll even though it is there if I let go. I change tanks every half hour. The EFIS reminds me.

When I want the airplane to fly itself I use the AP. If you are going to use the airplane for IFR don't even think of not getting an AP. If you are going to fly in Class B airspace, get at least altitude hold, but even better, a 2-axis AP. They like precision and it prevents any accidental deviations that could cause an unpleasant conversation later. When the AP is working you have more time for charts and plates, paying attention to the radio, etc.

I removed the trim mechanism. And yes, it was a PITA to find the little lever between the seats. It also would prevent you from installing an inside armrest / storage box.

Just one more option.
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  #10  
Old 12-26-2012, 06:51 PM
fixnflyguy fixnflyguy is online now
 
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Default Luv my electric trim

I put MAC electric elevator and aileron trim on my -4. I also have electric flaps. Everything is on the stick grip...I never have to look for a switch or take hand off stick. Just a tap of aileron trim and instant level wings. I made a simple 6" wide, 1" deep tab similar to the elevator tab that is almost undetectable at the outboard end of the l/h aileron. I can provide pics if your interested.
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