Manual aileron trim knob

[hydroguy2]

got home from work today and couldn't do the canopy, and there's that pesky trim handle laughing at me.

Here's the beginning 3 steps of handle #2:

[cjensen]

I like the way this one is heading as well! ANYTHING is better than Van's version!

[hydroguy2]

here is #2 almost finished



and installed


I like the #1 knob better, but this should function better. I may still attempt a #3 version.

[Spike]

I like that!

[cjensen]

I like #1 better too, but #2 is a great looking piece, and I agree the functionality appears to be better on this one. Lookin' forward to the flight report!

[cjensen]

Anything new with the manual aileron trim handle Brian???

[hydroguy2]

Anything new with the manual aileron trim handle Brian???

unfortunately No. life has gotten in the way. I haven't been in the shop for a month or so.

I'm guessing you are pretty close to needing one. I'll see what I can do

[cjensen]

No rush for me Brian! I won't be really ready for one until at least LATE next year...whenever, I was just curious.

Thanks man!

[Spike]

Is that when you are anticipating first flight Chad?

[cjensen]

Is that when you are anticipating first flight Chad?

I am thinking it'll probably be Spring of 2010 or so. I hope to be working on wrap up stuff next winter with an early spring '10 DAR...we'll see. I'm not on a schedule whatsoever, so that prediction is an educated guess.

[dons]

Yeah, but ... you're getting close enough Chad that your guess really is 'educated' and isn't pure wishful thinking like any guess I would make on a completion date of my own. I certainly agree that not being on a schedule is the way to build. Enjoy the process and get done when it's done.

[Spike]

Don's right on the money as far as why I was asking. I set a date of 7/31/10 to be ready for first flight. I thought that was doable with some dedicated consistency. Knowing how far you are though and that you are targeting spring of 2010, I am wondering if I am being unrealistic.

[cjensen]

Ah...I see. I just don't want to underestimate the amount of "end game" work to be done, so I'm planning a good year's worth of time for that.

[TomNativeNewYorker]

Just remember one thing, you cant rush quality.

[hydroguy2]

Let's recap.
#1 aileron prototype was a round knob spun on the lathe. Nice except only usable during solo flight due to space between seats.
#2 was first attempt at AL lever, but I made it a touch small causing some fitment issues.
Below is #3 prototype aileron lever installed and flanked by #2 and the Vans steel lever.



I don't have the proper tooling to go into production, so nobody should be holding their breath.

[Wicked Stick]

Brian,

They look really nice, only thing I'd consider changing would be that each hole was progressively smaller as it gets to the end of the lever.

The material gets a little thin "edge distance wise" at the tip.

[hydroguy2]

Don't worry the edge distance for these holes should not be a factor. the piece is still very stiff and solid. Also no load on this component, so if a person were abusing it enough to bend or distort it...you're doing something wrong.
The lightening hole sizing has been a sticky wicket. I have been trying to make the piece as light as possible, while at the same time minimizing labor. I have actually been toying with adding more holes. and have another lever style in mind.

[hydroguy2]

#3 prototype is on it's way to a beta tester. We'll see how this fits between the seats.