Control limits and tolerance

[cjensen]

I'm wondering how literally we must take the control tolerance limits...reason I ask is because using a digital level, the tenth's of a degree are accurate.

I'm fine on the elevator at 29.6 up and 20.8 down (Van's says up tolerance is 30-25 and down is 25-20), trim tab at 28.0 up and 35.0 down (Van's range is 35-25), rudder is 35L/35R (Van's says 35/35).

I'm slightly questioning the ailerons, but it's REALLY close...Van's range for up is 32-25, and I'm at 30.1 up, so I'm fine there. Their range for down is 17-15, and I'm at 17.6. It's my opinions that .6 of a degree is 'close enough'...but should I try to adjust back to 17-15?

The flaps are off a bit...full down travel according to Van's is 40-45 degrees. My full down is 35 degrees. Remember I have manual flaps, and the notches can't be changed, but I think I have some available travel at the rod end bearing. A pain in the chops to adjust, but can be done. Anyone flying feel that 35 degrees is okay for full flaps? My other two settings are 11 degrees for approach flaps, and 23 degrees second setting.

[Spike]

Hmm, I see this as two issues. The first would be safety, as in having adequate aircraft control and safe/solid linkages. What you described to me sounds like you are ok.

The second is performance, which Van's is known for. The aileron to me is probably more of an issue of ultimate roll rate or maybe coordination of turns.

The flap thing is more likely going to affect how steep an approach can you maintain.

From my seat I would say you are probably good for flying with areas you know you might need to tweak after the plane tells you what it needs. The flaps especially since you have re-engineered that aspect of your plane.

Spike

[cjensen]

Sitting here thinking about this some more...if I move the rod end bearing, that will throw off the neutral setting as well. I think my only option here would be to take the notch arm off, and identify a new notch to be made for a full 45 degrees.

That actually might be an easier option that the rod end bearing...hmm...

[Brantel]

Chad,

The numbers on the primary controls is fine. You are very close. You will never miss that little amount of travel. Having more is worse than slightly less than what they state. Going over concerns me due to that starts to impact the max manuvering speed.

I don't think Van's has updated that chart of recommended throws since the 6. I might be wrong.

On the flaps, Unless you move the pivot point of the bearrings/arms....Changing the length of the bearing rod is not going to give you more throw.

I would make another notch. You will want that extra drag since you have a FP like me....

[cjensen]

Me thinks you're right...

[painless]

I agree with Brantel. You are going to want full flap deflection.

All the other surfaces are fine. That is unless you plan to do competition acro!