Does my stick really have to be vertical??

IowaRV9Dreamer · #1 03-31-2009, 06:26 PM

I think I've been bit by the dreaded "pushrod too short" problem....

I'm talking about the control column to pitch pushrod, the one under the floor. After a bunch of reading and worrying I built it to plans length.

Now it is installed, and if I max it's length out, I can get the sticks to about 86 or 87 degrees, not quite 90. Doesn't sound like much, but that difference results in the stick end being about 1" forward of where it would be at 90 degrees.

Where in the manual does it say the sticks should be 90 degrees? Should they be?

If the answer is yes, I'll be ordering a new pushrod, making it 1/2" longer than the old one.

Thanks for any info,

Mel · #2 03-31-2009, 06:39 PM

The stick can be any angle you want as long as you have full travel. I have mine adjusted as far forward as it will go.

L.Adamson · #3 03-31-2009, 06:39 PM

I know that.... I ordered a new pushrod..

For that same reason.

L.Adamson --- RV6A

amilder · #4 03-31-2009, 06:44 PM

The plans don't show them vertical. See DWG 32, the one that shows the control systems. It doesn't give a precise angle but you can get it close. I assumed that was the neutral position when I put my short elev. pushrod in.

andyrv · #5 03-31-2009, 06:51 PM

I built a second pushrod (longer) for mine. My concern was having more than half the threads engaged at both ends so it can't come out unless I want it to.

Andy

db1yg · #6 03-31-2009, 08:11 PM

Hi Dave,

Do you have your seats finished? Do you have your seat cushions yet--or do you have access to a set of cushions similar to the ones you will have?

I did this to determine correct stick position--and btw, I was also concerned about the push/pull tube being too short:

I installed the seats and a set of cushions from a friends RV6a (thanks Mr. Hurd), sat in the plane making airplane noises, let my left arm rest across my left thigh, and noted the position of my thumb/index finger on the left hand. I adjusted fore/aft position of the stick so that the stick base was between the thumb and index. Then we made sure full deflection does not hit the panel nor the family valuables. In my case the perfect position ended up being slightly forward of vertical--which provided adequate rod end thread engagement. Flying RV friends told me that on cross country flights you end up flying the plane with the thumb/index fingers of your left hand at the base of the stick--in my case they were right and the positioning is very comfortable.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

db

Rupester · #7 03-31-2009, 08:29 PM

The sticks are designed to be canted forward at 5 degrees, IIRC. I had the same problem as you and called Vans. Gus set me straight. Once you know the intended forward cant angle, you'll find the p-rod length is dead-on.

Terry

Dave Cole · #8 04-01-2009, 06:16 AM

Like Terry said...they are not supposed to be vertical. Check the drawings and you'll see that the bottom portion of the stick weldment near the pivot point is at an angle to the stick. This part of the weldment is supposed to be vertical.

The stick itself will then be leaning forward.

Jamie · #9 04-01-2009, 06:24 AM

I had the same question on my -7. If I remember correctly the drawings have the stick centered over the center section. That's what I did.

pierre smith · #10 04-01-2009, 06:37 AM

..as far as comfort is concerned, as long as the minimum threads are complied with. Besides, you can bend the stick as well.

Regards,