Re: REFLECTOR: Trim spring question

["James F. Agnew" <jim_agnew@ibm.net>]

Dennis, I have two question mark trim springs, the original is about 0.170 thick
and the newer one is about 0.100" thick.  Since they are both the same width you
can be sure that one is stronger than the other so before you start to chop the
spring you might try it as is since the pull force seems in the ball park.

Jim

Dennis Martin wrote:

> 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

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// James F. Agnew
// Tampa, FL
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