REFLECTOR: Aileron Turque Tube

[Al Gietzen]

Subject: REFLECTOR: Aileron Turque Tube

 

Joe;

1.      When I purchased, my kit the aileron torque tubes were missing.  I
believe they are 3/4 with a .065 wall.  Can anyone confirm the dimensions
and let me know what grade is used.

 

You have the dimensions correct, but seems you could call Velocity and have
them send it to you.

 

2.      I remember a discussion on this subject where someone indicated he
eliminated the connection at the aileron and used 1 piece of tubing from the
aileron to the bell crank.

 

Yes; you can eliminate the connection (and U-joint) at the aileron by
putting a slight bend in the tube just at the exit from the aileron.  This
does introduce more "springyness" into the system, and you may not want to
take this approach, especially with the long-wing version or XL.  You may
also want to consider going to SS tubing, although IMO it is not necessary
if you use the U-joint.

 

3.       Under this arrangement, how does one check/correct the balance of
the aileron?

 

Good question.  For balance you are basically interested in the vertical
inertia of the mass distribution.  The torque tube is supported at the end
by the bellcrank bearing, so if you consider it to be 'rigid' it is not an
element in the balance equation.  You then balance the aileron without the
tube.  The problem is; you generally want to complete the tube installation
prior to finish work, and once the bent tube is in place you can no longer
balance the aileron in any simple way.  You either do finish paint on the
aileron and balance before installing the tube, or; as I did, allow for a
couple ounces of paint, and assume it's close enough.

 

Al

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