REFLECTOR: Aileron self-centering

[Lynn Gallup]

Jim,
Thanks for the response. I intend to go ahead with a
torque-tube/universal-joint retrofit. Where should I go for the parts, the
Velocity factory or Alan Shaw?
Lynn
==============
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Agnew" <jim_agnew_2 at yahoo.com>
To: "Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list" <reflector at tvbf.org>
Sent: Monday, August 02, 2004 6:08 PM
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Aileron self-centering


> Yes, on my 173 with Alan Shaw wings, SS torque tubes and
> universal joints.  More responsive and smother.
>
> Jim
> --- Lynn Gallup <LGallup at mn.rr.com> wrote:
>
> > Velo-people,
> > A while back I started a thread called "aileron
> > stiffness". This really
> > related more to the degree of aileron self-centering
> > following a turn than
> > to stiffness per se.  On my airplane I thought the
> > ailerons displayed almost
> > no self-centering in flight and I attributed this to
> > stiffness or friction
> > in the system.
> >
> > I noticed that on the ground the aileron control seemed
> > fairly smooth and
> > easy compared to in-flight so I decided to reject the
> > "stiffness and
> > friction" hypothesis and look elsewhere. I postulated
> > that there might be
> > some kind of "slack" or "wrap-up" in the system due,
> > possibly, to bending of
> > the aileron torque tubes because they are not attached at
> > the center of
> > pivot of the ailerons. As an experiment, I adjusted the
> > ailerons so they had
> > a half-inch of droop when centered. I felt this would
> > torque-load the system
> > in flight and I should feel at least something different.
> > I have now flown
> > the airplane about ten hours this way and pretty much put
> > it through it's
> > paces. My feeling is that the change definitely helped
> > but not enough.
> >
> > I believe the aileron droop idea is really a second-order
> > fix, good enough
> > for an experiment but not the primary factor so I really
> > don't want to
> > increase the droop;  I might break something - Like my
> > head. So I am now
> > thinking about two things (1) replacing the aluminum
> > aileron torque tubes
> > with steel and/or (2) installing universal joints where
> > the tubes attach to
> > the ailerons.
> >
> > Have any of you had any experience with either of these
> > ideas?
> >
> > Regards,
> > Lynn
> >
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>
> =====
> James F. Agnew
> Jim_Agnew_2 at Yahoo.Com
> Tampa, FL
> Velocity 173 Elite Aircraft Completed & Flying
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