I've done many checkouts in various LNC II's ... small tail and Mk II ... 235, 320, and 360.... and have encountered a new one for me - hoping you guys can shed some light.  I am not a builder and make no claims on expertise on the stuff that goes on the 'inside' ... so learn something every day.

 

This particular 360, small tail, has several hundred hours on it, and I set out to check out its 2nd owner...   For unrelated (to this discussion) reasons, I flew it solo the 1st time ...

 

... at cruise speed, I was unable to trim the forward stick pressure; in fact, at 60 deg. bank, the plane would hold level flight, meaning it was pulling 2g.  With full forward trim.

 

...at landing speed/configuration (1/2 and full flap) I was unable to trim off the aft stick forces...

 

It has the manual trim wheel in the center console; not electric, and no trim tab.

 

Thoughts?  Opinions?  Ideas?

Jim,

 

While the Reichel trim wheel came with stronger springs, I assume that you had reached the full extent of the trim wheel rotation and were still unable to trim out the forces.  If so, the most reasonable explanation would be that the elevator bell crank arm was not shortened to 3 inches from the original design 4 inches.  This modification reduces the stick throw 25%, increases the pitch stick forces (desirable with the small tail) and required stronger springs to deal with the increased forces.  Thus, with careful adjustment of the elevator push rod trim attachment and spring stop points, both cruise speed and approach landing configuration speed trim requirements would be met.