REFLECTOR: Trim spring question

[dmartin@cougar.netutah.net (Dennis Martin)]

I've read a lot (including very old posts from Nate Calvin and Paul Amberg)
on how to handle the fiber glass spring.  I'm still confused.

1) My fiberglass "question mark" spring is still virgin material.  No grinding.

2) With actuator installed, I motored elevator to neutral position.  With
fish scale attached to BOTTOM of elevator, I pulled up with 12 lbs. of
force.  The elevator at 12 lbs. moved 1 inch above neutral.  This is a good
thing, correct?

3) With fish scale attached to TOP of elevator, I pulled down with a force
of 18 lbs.  (18 lbs. downward force is based on Paul Amberg's notes from
discussion with Scott Swing, I think) The elevator at 18 lbs. moved 1.5
inches below neutral.  This is a good thing, correct?

4) I called factory and spoke with Brian.  He said to leave it "as is" and
to fly it first - then adjust it.

5) I attached fish scale to the stick.  Electric trim actuator was fully
retracted.  Stick forces exceeded 22 lbs. to get elevator from default
positon (1.25" above neutral) to 1.5" below neutral.  Is this a good thing?


I know forces during flying will change everything, but this still seems
like way too much stick pressure - even for a static test.  I think I
prefer the stick pressure of a C-172.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

Dennis Martin