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Ted:  A large-sized leading edge (strake) can indeed change trim
position and range but at a cost of giving your plane more weight (aft)
and drag while reducing airspeed and perhaps adversely affecting flutter
onset.

If you choose to do the strakes, please call me for I have installed
large strakes (about 2.1 sq. ft. or 27% larger area than the standard
small tail) on my 360 primarily to attenuate pitch instability while
flying near the aft CG limit.  My tail was always positioned properly
but I had to adjust three times to get the strakes properly aligned to
prevent adverse trim after installing the strakes.  Position is very
important!  Further, I have tested these stakes for more than 100 hours
at all ranges of speeds from 54 mph up to 278 mph. (shallow but
protracted dive) and have had only favorable results over the previous
small tail performance.

Still, with all of the expected lengthy service life of your IV in front
of you--and in front of the subsequent buyers/users of your IV,--
perhaps repositioning your tail is the best and safest alternative.

Greg Nelson

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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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