In a message dated 9/28/2005 11:46:54 A.M. Central Standard Time,
MikeEasley@aol.com writes:
Some 20-20 hindsight. Build your rudder as light as possible.
Don't get sloppy with flox, layups, wiring, etc. because it will be magnified
when you work with the limited room in the rudder counterbalance arm.
Probably the easiest place to save weight is in the trim tab construction,
build the tab light!
Mike,
Some have built both rudder and elevator horns (but especially rudder)
longer than the molds provide for. This allows for full balancing without
using so much weight since the arm is longer.
Some of us (very few) flying itsy-bitsy Lancairs refuse to use trim
tabs, whether they are built into the control surface or in trail, thus saving
counter weighting such devices so far aft of the hinge line. Spring trim
systems (some servo driven) can provide adequate control.
Even Cirrus uses spring-cartridge servo-controlled trim systems (at least
for the ailerons).
Just a consideration.......
Scott Krueger
AKA Grayhawk
Lancair N92EX IO320 SB 89/96
Aurora, IL
(KARR)