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The Tweety Bird has Flown!

Larry KMYA

Larry KMYA

Well Known Member
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Well N357L is operational. Lots of hurdles before taking off and bugs these first few hours but getting her tuned up. The L wing is heavy and I’ve tried a trim tab ~9” on the R aileron with some improvement dut still needs electric trim. Can I shorten the linkage to slightly raise the aileron relative to the L side and get the same effect? Rudder trim has centered the ball well.

I’d also like to acknowledge Mark Wilchacky who built the first half of the plane but was unable to finish. Saved me several years!
 

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Congratulations. Love the color.

Figure out why first. Most heavy wing issues can be corrected. Mine was a high left aileron. Notched the hinges on the left and lowered it about 3/32. Flies straight.
 
wirejock said:
Congratulations. Love the color.

Figure out why first. Most heavy wing issues can be corrected. Mine was a high left aileron. Notched the hinges on the left and lowered it about 3/32. Flies straight.
Click to expand...
When you say “notched the hinge” I don’t understand. Could you elaborate? Photos? With the L wing low, which side do I notch?Where do I measure height? Trailing edge with the L aileron neutral? Thanks
 
Larry KMYA said:
When you say “notched the hinge” I don’t understand. Could you elaborate? Photos? With the L wing low, which side do I notch?Where do I measure height? Trailing edge with the L aileron neutral? Thanks
Click to expand...
Vans has a document on resolving a heavy wing problem. I strongly suggest starting with it. I went through the entire document. Checking rigging first.
Mine took 10 gallons burned off the left to fly level. 60lbs. That's with me in the left seat though. These airplanes are very sensitive.
Please follow Vans direction. https://www.vansaircraft.com/faq-technical-builder-items/how-to-diagnose-and-fix-a-heavy-wing/

I hesitate to share, but just for information.
No photos.
As far as the high aileron, mine was pretty easy to see looking from forward-aft across the chord of each wing along the aileron. IF that's the problem, left aileron vs right, the height at the leading edge will be different. Heavy side will be higher. It's hardly anything. Maybe a couple 32nds. My heavy side aileron was higher. Notching the hinge brackets requires removing both and using a file to enlarge the hole so the aileron can move lower. It is NOT a permenant fix. Purchase a new set of brackets and drill them in the correct location.
 
wirejock said:
Vans has a document on resolving a heavy wing problem. I strongly suggest starting with it. I went through the entire document. Checking rigging first.
Mine took 10 gallons burned off the left to fly level. 60lbs. That's with me in the left seat though. These airplanes are very sensitive.
Please follow Vans direction. https://www.vansaircraft.com/faq-technical-builder-items/how-to-diagnose-and-fix-a-heavy-wing/

I hesitate to share, but just for information.
No photos.
As far as the high aileron, mine was pretty easy to see looking from forward-aft across the chord of each wing along the aileron. IF that's the problem, left aileron vs right, the height at the leading edge will be different. Heavy side will be higher. It's hardly anything. Maybe a couple 32nds. My heavy side aileron was higher. Notching the hinge brackets requires removing both and using a file to enlarge the hole so the aileron can move lower. It is NOT a permenant fix. Purchase a new set of brackets and drill them in the correct location.
Click to expand...
Thanks!
 
Larry KMYA said:
Well N357L is operational. Lots of hurdles before taking off and bugs these first few hours but getting her tuned up. The L wing is heavy and I’ve tried a trim tab ~9” on the R aileron with some improvement dut still needs electric trim. Can I shorten the linkage to slightly raise the aileron relative to the L side and get the same effect? Rudder trim has centered the ball well.

I’d also like to acknowledge Mark Wilchacky who built the first half of the plane but was unable to finish. Saved me several years!
Click to expand...
Larry,
Congratulations.
Big day.
Before you alter the linkage, I suggest you fly with weights or a right seat passenger.
I thought it would not make a difference as the left seat is so close to center line, but it did.
Daddyman58
 
Larry KMYA said:
Well N357L is operational. Lots of hurdles before taking off and bugs these first few hours but getting her tuned up. The L wing is heavy and I’ve tried a trim tab ~9” on the R aileron with some improvement dut still needs electric trim. Can I shorten the linkage to slightly raise the aileron relative to the L side and get the same effect? Rudder trim has centered the ball well.

I’d also like to acknowledge Mark Wilchacky who built the first half of the plane but was unable to finish. Saved me several years!
Click to expand...
Well done!
Mine was right wing heavy. I thought it was the weight of the servo. Guess not. Trimmed it out the same way.
 
jcbarker said:
No, that doesn't work. Remember, trimmed means it flies hands off wings level. Adjusting the linkage just moves the neutral point of the stick.
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I know thought you said, "Trimmed it out the same way" which the OP said he would "adjust the linkages".

Which we know does not work.
 
dmattmul said:
I know thought you said, "Trimmed it out the same way" which the OP said he would "adjust the linkages".

Which we know does not work.
Click to expand...
I was looking at his picture which shows a trim wedge which is the way I solved the problem. Larry Larson talks about adjusting the hinge bracket position which is the other way to deal with it. Really the most elegant. Next winter's project. Also, I should mention, address all the trim issues AFTER you install your wheel fairings! Ask me how I know:oops:
 
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