Elevator balance

[Karl Ahamer]

Hi all,just installed the elevator and cables in my 12.How well needs the elevator be balanced?when I let go the control stick it tends to go forward (nose down).I did install the ABS tips on the elevator,which might explain the out of balance condition....Any feedback welcome, thanks!
Karl 120480 near Sydney/Australia

 

[RFSchaller]

Mine's neutral, but I have autopilot servos which add a little resistance.

 

[rvbuilder2002]

Hi all,just installed the elevator and cables in my 12.How well needs the elevator be balanced?when I let go the control stick it tends to go forward (nose down).I did install the ABS tips on the elevator,which might explain the out of balance condition....Any feedback welcome, thanks!
Karl 120480 near Sydney/Australia

Built per the plans, the stabilator is nose heavy (not neutrally balanced)

 

[RFSchaller]

OK, now I'll obsess about it until I check tomorrow. THANKS, Scott!

 

[rvbuilder2002]

OK, now I'll obsess about it until I check tomorrow. THANKS, Scott!

I wouldn't worry. If you built per plans and installed all 4 lead weights you should be fine. Like you said, the autopilot servo does add friction which can mask it.

 

[RFSchaller]

I checked today and my horizontal stab is indeed neutral as opposed to leading edge heavy, but the servo resistance seems to be some of the reason. I'm wondering if paint and control cable tensionis are also factors. I won't lose sleep over it, but thought I would report it as an interesting factoid.