REFLECTOR: Stick Force

[Al Gietzen]

Subject: REFLECTOR: Stick Force

 

Has anyone measured the force on the control stick in flight?  If not does
anyone have an estimate on the force the trim spring applies or the force
required to make a control deflection.  I can not use the factory trim
spring, there is no room left behind the panel for it.  I think I have a
concept that will work, I just need to calculate the spring force and rate.
All help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Joe

Joe;

 

I’ll be at the airport sometime in the next few days, and can get an
approximate measurement on my plane for you if that would still be useful.
I narrowed the original factory spring to reduce the force to make it
possible to get near full deflection in one direction while the trim motor
was run to the extreme in the opposite direction.  Basically the idea is
that if the motor ran to full down trim (elevator up) for whatever reason
(such a case has been reported here), it would still be possible for a
fairly strong arm to pull back far enough (elevator down) for a good
landing.  The resulting spring is about 1 ½” wide, and gives a good stick
feel and trim control. 

 

I assumed that it would take nearly full down deflection for landing, but in
fact on my plane with the Wingco canard I’m sure I never use full
deflection; and generally find I have trimmed to about 1” down.  

 

Al

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