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Date: 11-19-2014
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Number of Hours: 15.00
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Short Description: Modified Controls
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After the first test flight I recognized that the CG for the aircraft felt too close to the aft limits, the aileron controls needed more authority, the elevator was too sensitive, and as a result the aircraft was difficult to handle and had a pronounced PIO tendency. Additionally, after the 2nd ground test the rudder bellcrank suffered damage. The new rudder bellcrank was used on the first actual test flight. The 2nd test flight had a new aileron bellcrank with more throw, a longer elevator control arm (for less ensitivity - not pictured), gaps seals placed on the ailerons (2" electrical tape between trailing edge and aileron) and a battery box to shift the CG forward. On the 2nd test flight the aileron felt responsive, the elevator was not as touchy, and the PIO tendency was noticeably reduced.
After the 2nd ground test the non-inflatable tired failed and subsequently the axel was bent. This tire was replaced with an inflatable tired. This inflatable tired worked well on the first test flight, but failed on the 2nd test flight. I have a higher quality 10" 5/8" axel tire on its way. The battery box was riveted to the tail boom inside the fusealge behind the engine mount. I also redid all the weights and balance. I am in the process of making a couple of forward ballast weights to add a few more pounds to the nose to increase dynamic stability.
Lastly, I ordered another left rear aileron control cable (there are 4 control cables and 2 turnbuckles for the aileron control. This 1/2" shorter cable makes it possible to get the 0 aileron deflection on the stick close to the center position because the left aileron turnbuckle was maxed out. Another post will follow with the newly installed tire.
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New Rudder Bell Crank (Left)
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New Aileron Bell Crank (Bottom)
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New Battery Box
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