Heavy aileron forces on RV7 at high airspeeds
I have a RV7 that now has about 23 hours on a new airframe and engine (O-360 with controllable propeller). The aircraft flies great except for one item:
When descending at airspeeds above 150 kts. indicated, the ailerons stiffen up. They are still movable but not without at least 10 pounds of force on the stick. They seem to lock up in the neutral position. Once enough ?breakout force? is applied the plane will bank left or right but the controls are still stiff. After the airspeed slows, the anomaly gradually goes away. Once back to airspeeds of 130 kts. and less, the aileron forces seem ?normal?.
Can anyone shed light on what it is I am experiencing? Many thanks in advance!
Jay Carpenter / Georgetown, Texas
I have a RV7 that now has about 23 hours on a new airframe and engine (O-360 with controllable propeller). The aircraft flies great except for one item:
When descending at airspeeds above 150 kts. indicated, the ailerons stiffen up. They are still movable but not without at least 10 pounds of force on the stick. They seem to lock up in the neutral position. Once enough ?breakout force? is applied the plane will bank left or right but the controls are still stiff. After the airspeed slows, the anomaly gradually goes away. Once back to airspeeds of 130 kts. and less, the aileron forces seem ?normal?.
Can anyone shed light on what it is I am experiencing? Many thanks in advance!
Jay Carpenter / Georgetown, Texas