From: Sky2high@aol.com
Message-ID: <bbc12743.362d6eb5@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 01:18:45 EDT
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: LC20 Dual Rudder/Brake Pedals
Mime-Version: 1.0

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In determining whether or not to install dual rudder pedals on must fully
evaluate the need versus complexity.

Right Side Rudder Controls:

Pros:
1. If you are going to take aerobatic lessons in your Lancair, the right seat
instructor will be more comfortable with rudder controls.
2. If the co-pilot will be performing takeoffs, it would be best if rudder
pedals were available.
3. If the co-pilot lands in a crosswind, rudder pedals would be helpful.
4. If the co-pilot is performing aerobatics, rudder pedals would help.
5. Extra weight will help move CG forward.

Cons: 
1. Normal flight regime does not require rudder other than trim to center
ball.
2. Bulky pedals interfere with co-pilot comfort.
3. Extra weight.
4. Pilot would be required to perform takeoffs and most landings.

Right Side Brakes

Pros:
1. Requirement if co-pilot taxies, takes off or lands.

Cons:
1. Co-pilot may accidentally push brake when panic sets in just as co-pilot
does in the car when riding as your passenger.
2. Older Matco brakes were known to lock up when both sides were pushed and
co-pilot side was released first since return spring was not strong enough to
overcome back pressure in slightly elastic line.

Some construction items to think about:

1. For the smoothest, least binding routing of cables, consider the
straightest lines. Of course, the cable tubes along the fuselage sides are the
easiest to keep relatively straight.  I ran the center tubes on the inner-
upper sidewalls of the elevator pushrod tunnel with the crossover occuring
just forward of the seatback.  These cables exit the tunnel/console at  and
above the main spar.

2. I used the optional adjustable rudder pedals.  The cable exiting the rear
of the rudder pedals is joined to the control cables with turnbuckles.  This
is for fine adjustment and also to allow removal of the co-pilot rudder
pedals.  The firewall mounting bolts are potted in place, the floorboard bolts
utilize installed nutplates and the cable-firewall attachment is removeable.
After the rudder pedals are removed, the remaining control cable ends are
lightly bungied to the firewall.

3. I did not install co-pilot brakes since I like to taxi, takeoff and land.

As to Don Goetz's complaint about stiffness and binding -- I also fly a
Skymaster, a Cessna with very heavy controls and slow control response.
Rudder is required for coordinated turns and you have to push.  I recently
built a Challenger II, a very light aircraft with a light rudder and medium
response.  However, the Challenger is flown with a rudder dance.  I much
prefer the reasonable resistance of the Lancair along with the immediate
response.  I also utilize a servo-driven spring bias rudder trim system which
pushes back somewhat if you try to achieve large rudder displacements.

Scott Krueger
N92EX