REFLECTOR:High Speed Jitters

reflector@tvbf.org reflector@tvbf.org
Mon, 31 May 2004 12:12:33 -0400 (EDT)


Bob,

We might be talking about the same thing, but I'm not sure.  For me it
began as "light choppy turbulence" immediately followed by side-to-side
oscillation about the rudder axis.

John

> Maybe flutter, though if it were it would likely be more vigorous and
> rapid,  not just as if the canard was stalling.
>
> I experienced elevator flutter at higher air speeds, I had failed to
> rebalance following painting. After doing that, stability returned.
>
> The first time it happened I tried to blame it on turbulence, then
> perhaps  vortex turbulence from an earlier aircraft. I could see the
> canard flex up and  down a couple inches. It was not too vigorous and
> stopped as soon as I laid a  hand on the stick. I had been changing
> frequencies so had my hand away.
>
> Finally after the second incident,  which was quite a bit more vigorous,
> I  talking to Scott Swing. After considering his thoughts I decided that
> I needed  to take some action. I removed the canard and wound up adding
> two more lead  weights to the center of the elevator to get the balance
> correct.
>
> Have had no recurring incident, though I have tried to induce it at
> various  airspeeds.
>
> Bob Wood