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SB-00067 and stabilator balance

seagull

Well Known Member
I started the SB and after disconnecting the cables, and servo arm I checked the balance. It takes 9-10 ounces pulling down at the very edge of the trailing edge to be level. My plane is a 2015 model and the KIA does not mention balance. Should it be level or is there an offset required to fly correctly? The plane flies great and has no bad habits, although I may not be the best judge. Maybe it could be better?
 
I believe the intent is shooting for level. And when I initially balanced mine, I left the servo arm attached since that load will be present during flight.
 
where to download current plans?

Dumb question here: I built my legacy plane from plans that were purchased on CD instead of downloaded, so I never downloaded any plans. I can't find where to download the current KAI chapters that are called out by SB-00067 & SL-00068.

Can someone give me the pathway on the site to find the current KAI?

Thanks,
-dbh
 
Dumb question here: I built my legacy plane from plans that were purchased on CD instead of downloaded, so I never downloaded any plans. I can't find where to download the current KAI chapters that are called out by SB-00067 & SL-00068.

Can someone give me the pathway on the site to find the current KAI?

Thanks,
-dbh

Updates to plans should be (but aren't always) listed here:https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/?aircraft=rv-12&doctype=revisions-changes&sort=id

The full plans can be downloaded from the online store. https://store.vansaircraft.com/ After logging in, click on your name, and then "aircraft". (or go to this link:https://store.vansaircraft.com/aircraft/customer/). This should list any aircraft associated with your account. Click "Download Kit Plans" and select the desired section.
 
Updates to plans should be (but aren't always) listed here:https://www.vansaircraft.com/service-information-and-revisions/?aircraft=rv-12&doctype=revisions-changes&sort=id

The full plans can be downloaded from the online store. https://store.vansaircraft.com/ After logging in, click on your name, and then "aircraft". (or go to this link:https://store.vansaircraft.com/aircraft/customer/). This should list any aircraft associated with your account. Click "Download Kit Plans" and select the desired section.

Good info, but I have a legacy- RV-12 and needed the KAI for RV-12iS Empennage counterweight balancing procedure.
Unfortunately if I log in to Van's store and go the aircraft the only plans I can download are the legacy -12 plans, not the -12iS plans as is now needed.
 
Bob, and Walter
Thanks for the info. I have sent it up to my A&P who is doing the SB for me (I am owner, not builder).
John
 
Just wondering if it would make a difference to have the stabilator cables attached when performing the stabilator balancing steps. The cables and the control lever may be needed to balance the whole stabilator system.
 
I believe the tension and resultant balance would be based upon the stick position if you did.
 
I think since the cable bell crank is centered on the pivot point the cables will cancel each other out as far as balance is concerned. All they would do is cause drag making the center balance harder to find.
 
Just wondering if it would make a difference to have the stabilator cables attached when performing the stabilator balancing steps. The cables and the control lever may be needed to balance the whole stabilator system.

Yes, it makes a difference. Don’t do it. Follow the KIA! With the cables attached, there is friction in the system not to mention the sticks are not symmetric. That is to say their center of gravity is forward of their pivot point. That’s why, given a balanced stabilator, the sticks fall forward.
 
After paint?

Has anyone balanced the stabilator before painting and then after? I'm curious how much difference a typical paint job would make so one could add the estimate to the original (unpainted) balance during the build.
 
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