Front Stick Length

[ten4teg]

In the wiring stage and would like to find out if the front stick needs to be trimmed to avoid interference with the instrument panel. But not sure how far it goes forward after connected to the elevator. Thanks, Tom

 

[andoman]

Not -8 specific but here are some general thoughts:
You can adjust the forward travel of the stick to a degree with the elevator against the stop.
The answer as to how much you cut the stick depends on which grip you have.
On my -7A, -4, and Rocket I kept the top of the grip the same height as the original top of the stick.
A mistake some have made is cutting the stick too short so they can rest their hand on their thigh.
All that being said, I recommend you have both elevator stops set before you cut the stick.

 

[Carl Froehlich]

Typicallly, the top of the stick grip will just pass the bottom of the panel.

Carl

 

[Mikeyb]

For the case of the RV8 Note 1 on DWG 79 limits the maximum stick length to 15 inches from the pivot to the top of the stick. Most find the -8 heavy in pitch and want all the stick they can get. Rigged the way the plans show the stick will be even for/aft with the instrument panel in level flight. Forward it will move past the Z-bar and aft all the way to the seat cushion.

 

[Webb]

Even with an offset stick it goes under the panel.

 

[inktomi]

If you have a grip that mounts on top of the stick, rather than sliding fully down around it - do you include the new length of the grip in the overall measurement?

 

[Mikeyb]

If you have a grip that mounts on top of the stick, rather than sliding fully down around it - do you include the new length of the grip in the overall measurement?

That’s a good question. I interpreted it to mean the overall length because a VAF member got busted by a DAR who was concerned about room for his thumb on top of the grip. If the requirement is related to mechanical advantage i.e. where your hand is, it could have been a little longer which I would enjoy.

 

[Webb]

That’s a good question. I interpreted it to mean the overall length because a VAF member got busted by a DAR who was concerned about room for his thumb on top of the grip.

I have no buttons on top of my stick so my thumb has no reason to be there. I’ve never pinched my thumb and clearance is about 1/8”.

 

[Mikeyb]

I have no buttons on top of my stick so my thumb has no reason to be there. I’ve never pinched my thumb and clearance is about 1/8”.

With less than a 15” distance from the pivot?

 

[Webb]

With less than a 15” distance from the pivot?

I don’t know the distance off the top of my head. I cut it till it cleared the panel

 

[RV8JD]

I made this measurement awhile back in my previous RV-8. I measured 14 7/8” from the top of the control stick pivot to the bottom of the instrument panel.

And 8 1/4” from the top of the pivot to the base of an Infinity stick grip. The grip clears the panel by a good skosh. The grip is twisted ~9° CCW.

YMMV!

 

[Ben Ellis]

I don’t know the distance off the top of my head. I cut it till it cleared the panel

This is what I did and I also cut off enough that I can have my thumb on top of the trim hat switch on my Tosten grip when pushing the stick under the panel.

 

[Mikeyb]

I made this measurement awhile back in my previous RV-8. I measured 14 7/8” from the top of the control stick pivot to the bottom of the instrument panel.

And 8 1/4” from the top of the pivot to the base of an Infinity stick grip. The grip clears the panel by a good skosh. The grip is twisted ~9° CCW.

YMMV!

I got the same mileage. Virtually identical. In reality, even if you could make it 2 inches longer you only get 13 percent more leverage.