JordanGrant
Well Known Member
I just got back from test-flying my RV-6 with the wheel fairings on for the first time. First of all - WOW, that does make a speed difference. I didn't do extensive testing, but I certainly believe it could be on the order of 15 kts of speed!
Now, the problem: At speed (170kts), I'm getting nearly 2 ball widths on the turn and slip, to the right. I don't have a calibrated leg, but it feels like 80+ pounds on the right rudder to center the ball. Without fairings, its about 1/2 a ball right. Fairings are definitely not on straight.
My plan:
1) I'm going to test fly it without the leg fairings (wheel pants only) and see what I get. Maybe I can narrow it down to leg fairings or wheel pants causing the majority of the problem. I'd like to fly it with the leg fairings only (no wheel pants), but there is nothing on the bottom on the leg fairing to keep it aligned to where it "would" be with the pants on. So I don't know the effectiveness of that idea.
2) gmcjetpilot, if you're reading this, I found an old post of yours that described using dye on your fairings to test their alignment. Could you pass some details on that process? Has anyone else out there tried it?
Cheers, all.
Now, the problem: At speed (170kts), I'm getting nearly 2 ball widths on the turn and slip, to the right. I don't have a calibrated leg, but it feels like 80+ pounds on the right rudder to center the ball. Without fairings, its about 1/2 a ball right. Fairings are definitely not on straight.
My plan:
1) I'm going to test fly it without the leg fairings (wheel pants only) and see what I get. Maybe I can narrow it down to leg fairings or wheel pants causing the majority of the problem. I'd like to fly it with the leg fairings only (no wheel pants), but there is nothing on the bottom on the leg fairing to keep it aligned to where it "would" be with the pants on. So I don't know the effectiveness of that idea.
2) gmcjetpilot, if you're reading this, I found an old post of yours that described using dye on your fairings to test their alignment. Could you pass some details on that process? Has anyone else out there tried it?
Cheers, all.