REFLECTOR: Rudder cable attch point
Scott Baker
sbakr at comcast.net
Thu Jan 17 18:44:06 CST 2008
Terry,
What you describe is a common situation and one that has important safety ramifications!
I recommend that you install the AN111 cable bushing, which allows the rudder cable<>rudder horn connection to swivel, rather than bend.
The use of the AN111 cable bushing attachment does not guarantee the rudder cable will not loop around the rudder horn, but it helps.
Important warning: Immediately prior to takeoff _always_ visually confirm that both rudders are in their trailing position; and not deployed due to the rudder cable looping itself over the rudder horn. If a rudder cable is wrapped around the rudder horn, it is virtually impossible to 'undo' the situation to bring the rudder back to its normal trailing position during flight. If un-noticed and uncorrected, the aircraft will perform an uncommanded turn towards the side of the deployed rudder. Aileron counteraction alone will probably not overcome the uncommanded turn caused by the rudder. The best way to regain directional control is to deploy the other rudder (so now both rudders are deployed at the same time). This causes drag, but at least the aircraft is now controllable with ailerons.
To those who have not experienced a rudder cable looping itself over the rudder horn - it happens most often when the aircraft is parked pointing downwind without rudder gust locks.
It can also happen during taxi operations or (for aircraft with the new toe brake assembly) during runup if the rear of the aircraft is exposed to strong winds. If the wind is strong enought, it will overcome the rudder return spring - deploy the rudder - sometimes causing the slack rudder cable to wrap itself around the rudder horn.
SB
----- Original Message -----
From: Terry Miles
To: 'Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list'
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2008 4:46 PM
Subject: REFLECTOR: Rudder cable attch point
XL-5
When I preflight my rudder, the rudder cable end flips over on it self at the bell crank and then won't retract the control surface all the way back because it's bent back on itself. A tap with an inserted long screwdriver is all that is needed to get it to rotate back the way it should.
I checked w/ the factory. Solutions are replace what I have w/ an AN111 cable bushing. They also said some have fixed this with a strategically placed zip tie or the like to prevent this. Even a gust of wind on the ramp can do this to me. I cannot see in there good enough to say more yet until I pull the rudder off, but I thought I would check in advance.
Anybody have any experience with this?
Regards,
Terry
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