Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #15426
From: <Billhogarty@aol.com>
Sender: Marvin Kaye <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Balancing Elevators
Date: Sun, 22 Sep 2002 17:00:02 -0400
To: <lml>

Has anyone installed the "elevator balancing kit" that Lancair sells for the L-IV?

In my case, I added the prescribed amount of lead called out in the manual with the following results;  right elevator is overbalanced (heavy) while the left elevator (with the trim tab, MAC motor, linkage, etc)  is grossly underbalanced.

The Lancair "balance kit" adds an aluminum arm and lead weight as a center pivot to statically balance both elevators as an assembly.  The problem is that I just dont get a warm and fuzzy feeling with this solution.  Having two elevators with grossing different weights hanging on the back of the plane' even with added weight in the center, I find very disturbing.  Am I missing the obvious???

One thought that does occur to me is to remove weight (lead) from the heavy elevator until both elevators weigh approximately the same or at least balance the same.  THEN, add the center pivot arm and enough lead to statically balance the assembly.  Would this resolve the situation or am I just adding another dimension to the problem?  OR, do I really have a problem in the first place????

Your help would be appreciated.

Bill Hogarty L-IVP @ 97 %

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