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  #1  
Old 08-24-2013, 03:33 PM
SuperDave SuperDave is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Brandon, FL
Posts: 68
Default Tail Offset

My buddy and I have been looking at an RV-8 that is for sale but is currently stored with it's wings and tail removed. I noticed that where it appears the (lower rudder bracket?) bolts to the rear of the fuselage the holes are offset slightly to the left (looking from the rear). I know it is fairly common to offset the vertical stabilizer to offset the p-factor but I couldn't make sense of why it appears that the rudder and/or vertical stabilizer are offset to the LEFT. Would this be something that the builder would drill per the plans? It seems that if it produces a vert. stab. that is angled to the right that would create a tendency to turn left.
We are satisfied with the build quality but this has us puzzled.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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  #2  
Old 08-24-2013, 04:02 PM
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Default

Leading edge of the vertical stabilizer is offset to the left, producing a right turn tendency, thereby counteracting "P"-factor.
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  #3  
Old 08-24-2013, 04:13 PM
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Default Welcome to VAF!

Dave, welcome aboard the good ship VAF
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  #4  
Old 08-24-2013, 06:20 PM
SuperDave SuperDave is offline
 
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Location: Brandon, FL
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Default

Mel,
Thanks for the response. That was what I was thinking too but it appears that the REAR of the vertical stabilizer and/or rudder is offset to the left on this -8. Does Van's specify in the plans that the front and/or rear attach points have offsets? I'm assuming that it would be similar on all models.
Would that be a factory made piece that was possibly installed backwards?
I should have taken a picture
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  #5  
Old 08-24-2013, 07:21 PM
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RV8RIVETER RV8RIVETER is offline
 
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Default no offset

Unless something has changed there should be no offset on the tail. The engine mount is offset on the -8.
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  #6  
Old 08-24-2013, 07:29 PM
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Bob Ellis Bob Ellis is offline
 
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Default

Hi Dave. I am at work so don't have access to the plans but as far as I recall all the measurements for the tailplane are equal ie no offset.
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  #7  
Old 08-25-2013, 05:24 AM
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Jaypratt Jaypratt is offline
 
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Default no offset

The RV8 does not call out any offset in the VS
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  #8  
Old 08-25-2013, 06:43 AM
SuperDave SuperDave is offline
 
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Thanks guys!
It sounds like it is unanimous that the mount holes at the rear should all be centered....and these aren't. Since this plane is disassembled we were going to have to violate our "fly it before you buy it" rule which was made to avoid these issues.
Thanks again for your input.
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  #9  
Old 08-25-2013, 07:41 AM
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L.Adamson L.Adamson is offline
 
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave View Post
Thanks guys!
It sounds like it is unanimous that the mount holes at the rear should all be centered....and these aren't. Since this plane is disassembled we were going to have to violate our "fly it before you buy it" rule which was made to avoid these issues.
Thanks again for your input.
Nobody says you can't offset the tail, although it appears this one is opposite of the normal function. The RV6's (at least the short tails) are not offset either, but most require a trim tab or wedge instead. If they don't, then something else could be crooked...
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  #10  
Old 08-25-2013, 08:25 AM
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Well maybe the builder was planning on using a motor that turns the "other" way.

Bird
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