Van's Air Force
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balancing flight controls after paint
- Thread starter rv-6hank
- Start date
WingsOnWheels
Well Known Member
The only control surface on an RV-6 that is statically balanced is the elevator. From what I have read, Van's doesn't require they be rebalanced after paint. If you wish to do so, the balance weights are under the elevator tips. You can add washers to the bolts holding the counterweight on (and a longer bolt) if you need more weight. If you need less weight tou can remove some material from the counterweight.
Balanced control surfaces
Unless the air is different up there in Canada, I would be extremely skeptical of that statement. Vans has never put out anything about balancing your surfaces after paint. If you can get the balance within 95% then you are doing very well.
There is the RV-3 does not have counter balances at all??
Counter balances are used for flutter and to make the control surfaces have a lighter feel.
IF a RV-7A crashed due to balance problems, I would be willing to be the counter weights were not installed correctly or at all.
Between myself and my father, we have built and flown about 11 RV/Rocket aircraft and non have had the controls balanced after painting. Several have gone over 250mph with no issues.
The only critical balancing issues we have seen with Rockets in the unbalanced rudder at high speeds. Going to RV-8 rudders solves this issue.
Unless the air is different up there in Canada, I would be extremely skeptical of that statement. Vans has never put out anything about balancing your surfaces after paint. If you can get the balance within 95% then you are doing very well.
There is the RV-3 does not have counter balances at all??
Counter balances are used for flutter and to make the control surfaces have a lighter feel.
IF a RV-7A crashed due to balance problems, I would be willing to be the counter weights were not installed correctly or at all.
Between myself and my father, we have built and flown about 11 RV/Rocket aircraft and non have had the controls balanced after painting. Several have gone over 250mph with no issues.
The only critical balancing issues we have seen with Rockets in the unbalanced rudder at high speeds. Going to RV-8 rudders solves this issue.
L.Adamson
Well Known Member
I drilled out some lead, before the elevators were painted. I balanced them as a unit. After painting, I had to add 5 oz. of lead back to the right side. I had a trim servo on the left. To do so, I drilled holes on angles, with some anchoring pins, and put molten lead back in. I then fiberglassed over the "mess" for a nice smooth finish. It's important to get a good anchor with pins and angled holes, to make sure that nothing pops out to jam the elevator in flight.
L.Adamson --- RV6A
L.Adamson --- RV6A
