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Rudder trim tab

S

simpsonstu

Member
Sorry folks I know there was an old thread on this, but what is the latest consensus on adding a rudder tab? So the aircraft needs a bit of right rudder in the cruise to centre the ball(Climb and descent I accept I need to do it) , so trim tab mid rudder but on the right side of the rudder as you look head on (on the left side of rudder if you look from rear), until you work out what angle to bend the tab-what do you stick it on with?

Was there a company that sold rudder trim tabs? None of the prev links seem to work?

Cheers Stu
UK
 
Make a Gurney Flap out of .032.
Simple, easy, effective, light.
Hold in place with double sided tape for testing.
I think a tab that extends past the rudder’s trailing edge looks ugly on an RV.
 
Thanks Andoman, just to be sure , the above position on the rudder is correct? Left edge of the rudder as you view from behind if you need right rudder in the cruise?

Cheers Stu
 
simpsonstu said:
Sorry folks I know there was an old thread on this, but what is the latest consensus on adding a rudder tab? So the aircraft needs a bit of right rudder in the cruise to centre the ball(Climb and descent I accept I need to do it) , so trim tab mid rudder but on the right side of the rudder as you look head on (on the left side of rudder if you look from rear), until you work out what angle to bend the tab-what do you stick it on with?

Was there a company that sold rudder trim tabs? None of the prev links seem to work?

Cheers Stu
UK
Click to expand...
My 10 requires a very small amount of rudder in cruise without the yaw damper on. Tabs=drag and might now be needed in some configurations. I would fly it in phase 1 and then see what is needed.

Here is a poll for the 14, I know different airframe. Seems little agreement if slight right or left is needed in cruise.

Poll: What rudder trim does your RV-14(A) need in cruise?

Now that there are enough RV-14s and -14As flying to get a meaningful statistical trend, I'm curious what rudder trim each model typically needs in cruise to center the ball. Generally I've seen more -14s with tabs for left rudder trim, and more -14As with tabs for right rudder trim, but I've...
vansairforce.net
 
simpsonstu said:
Thanks for the replies chaps, has anyone used the Aerosport rudder trim? Seems very clever, obv very pricey too!

Stu
Click to expand...
Yes. Simple and easy to install after the plane is flying. This nice thing over a tab is it's in-flight adjustable. However, in practice I leave it set for cruise and never touch it for feet on the floor flying and add just a bit of foot pressure to the pedals to center the ball for climbs and descents as required.
 
Thanks Todd , thats great to know, do you install it on a particular side L or R or does it not matter as you just change the cable tension?

Cheers Stu
 
simpsonstu said:
Thanks Todd , thats great to know, do you install it on a particular side L or R or does it not matter as you just change the cable tension?

Cheers Stu
Click to expand...
It doesn't matter exactly where per se. I't just got to be in an area where the little horns you attach to the rudder pedal tubes and the control box wires/springs you run to the horns are free from interference to move back and forth as you move the pedals.
 
Forgot to add that I have mine mounted right next to the throttle bracket (pilot side) on the bottom of the instrument panel.Rudder Trim.jpg
 
Last edited:
Auburntsts said:
It doesn't matter exactly where per se. I't just got to be in an area where the little horns you attach to the rudder pedal tubes and the control box wires/springs you run to the horns are free from interference to move back and forth as you move the pedals.
Click to expand...
I modified my aero sport rudder trim to use a linear actuator.

It works well but I have found it to be unnecessary. Once you find your "zero point", there really isn't a need to move it.
 
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