rudder trim tab

[prkaye]

I've heard that many builders find the need to add a rudder trim tab after test flights, to straighten-out flying characteristics.
My plane is going to be (professionally) painted prior to first flight (yes, this decision is *finally* finalized), so I'm wondering if I would be wise to fabricate and/or install a rudder trim tab now that I could bend into place as-needed after test flying. This would save me taking another part back to the painter after test flying.
Thoughts?

[Norman CYYJ]

If you built the plane according to the plans you will not need a rudder trim tab.
So far I have not needed one.

[chrispratt]

Phil:

Many, if not most, of the RVs need a trim tab to help. Very normal unless the 9 is somehow different. If you use the Avery trim tab (which is 6 inch long wedge of some sort of composite material) you can have your paint shop paint it separately while they are painting the rudder so the colors will match. Afterwards you can tape this in place to figure how much of it you really need and just trim the wedge from the bottom up if you need it shorter. Then the only unpainted portion will be the bottom of the wedge which you can probably touch up to match. The final install can be done with something like 3M weather strip glue (the yellow sticky stuff). It will stay on, but can be removed in the future without damaging the paint underneath.

This is what I did on my -8.

Chris

[MrNomad]

Thanks Chris.

We built our 9A according to the plans but still need a trim tab. My reluctance has been to mess up my paint but your idea of trimming from the bottom and the use of 3M makes a lot of sense.

[Peterk]

I have friends that have done both (a pre-painted metal tab that will bend and the Avery piece that Chris talks about) and no complaints either way. Chris is right, all the ones I see have some type of trim. One thing you may want to consider..I am with my 12...is that until you have wheel pants on its hard to set anything. So for now I just use my right foot.

[prkaye]

Thanks.... this is a great solution (the avery trim tab). What sort of tape should be used for the temporary fitting? Something strong enough to hold it but weak enough to pop it off for trimming without damaging the paint underneath....

[jabarr]

Another option to consider--
http://www.mlblueskunk.com/Rudder_Trim_System.html

[vic syracuse]

These airplanes are all hand built, even though some are prepunched. Because of that, there will always be minor variations, and some will claim theirs doesn't need a trim tab. The reality is that any airplane will only be at perfect trim for one airpseed and one power setting. Change any of those, as will happen on climbs, decsents, cruise altitudes (yes, IAS will be lower at higher cruise and therefore less airflow over the surfaces), and you will find the need to adjust a control surface. It is also very nice to have the adjustable trim on the rudder for those long descents from the high cruise altitudes. It is also very nice to be able to trim the wings level when the autopilot is engaged thru the use of an adjustable rudder trim. Is it absolutely necessary? No. But it sure is nice to have.

Vic

[prkaye]

Another option to consider--
http://www.mlblueskunk.com/Rudder_Trim_System.html

Very interesting! That looks like a really nice arrangemnet! I have Vans' aileron trim, and if I put in this rudder trim it could be really nice on long x-countries (since I don't have autopilot). Anybody used this system that can vouch for it?

[CNEJR]

of people who have used Blueskunk trim, seems to work well. I did one similar to his, his I think works better. You can't beat the price or quality.