Spring Aileron Trim and Stick Pressure

[Clouddancer]

I wondered if there is anybody who has flown his RV with and without the Vans spring aileron trim system? Is there any difference in stick pressure in flight with the added springs? I can imagine that the the feel might not be so light any more.

I'm building an RV-4 without autopilot. Is an aileron trim recommended or is it only a nice-to-have?

You may have noticed that I'm struggling to decide if I should incorporate a an aileron trim or not. It would be a spring based system, as I have no trim tab on the aileron.

[N208ET]

I have flown without my aileron trim hooked up during flight testing. I had a heavy wing so I disconnected the trim during the fix to make sure I was just fixing the heavy wing problem without any interference from the trim system, seems like a good idea to me. In reguards to flying without aileron trim, that would not be for me. Fuel burn is going to affect roll trim, I like to keep my plane in trim as much as I can. Maybe it is just the way I fly but I am constantly playing with my trim after changes in power settings, wouldn't like flying without it.

Randy
8A

[rvator_md]

I didn't install the aileron trim before the first flights. I guess my thought was to see how the plane flew without it. (ie: heavy wing) During phase 1, I installed it, because I knew I was going to be flying long cross countries and the trim would help with the fuel imbalance. Van was right, it does.

[robertahegy]

I liked the spring aileron trim and did not notice any change in stick force to use it. One mistake I made when I originally installed it was to stretch the springs out and I had a lot of tension on them. Later before I finished construction on the plane, I added safety wire loops to the springs to relieve the tension. I set the system up so there was very little tension on the springs when in neutral and the sticks were barely held vertical when in neutral. Changing the position of the lever would induce enough force on the sticks to move them and trim the plane. Not much force is needed to trim.

Roberta

[ccsmith51]

I installed one in my RV-4. It is very useful for cross country to account for fuel burn. I flew for about 10 hours before installing it. There is a SLIGHT difference in control feel from the springs, mostly in roll, but also a bit in pitch.

[Pat Stewart]

I never connect the springs during initial flight testing. I want to see how she flies and make sure the springs are not part of a possible heavy wing indication.

Pat

[DanH]

I didn't install any aileron trim, don't miss it, and don't find fuel balance to be an issue.

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

I've disconnected my system for first flight and, frankly, I'm wondering why I installed it in the first place. Given the very minute stick force necessary to effect change and assuming proper fuel tank management, is it necessary? I guess I'll find out.

[Walt]

Originally Posted by DanH

I didn't install any aileron trim, don't miss it, and don't find fuel balance to be an issue.

I'm with Dan on this one, installed the mechanism during the build but removed the springs for flight test, never felt the need to re-install.

[L.Adamson]

For my 6, I installed the servo operated trim tab method. I do not like bias springs.... period. Even though required pressure to keep level is light, I really enjoy keeping the 6 in perfect trim with just a touch on the hat switch button.

L.Adamson