David-aviator
Well Known Member
On the second flight today, cruising along at high power to seat the rings, I did a control stability check. Ailerons and elevator seem very stable but when I kicked the rudder, it went into an oscillation that did not want to quit by itself. It feels like a dutch roll in a big airplane.
After a few cycles I stopped it with the rudder pedals. I kicked the rudder again, this time I let it go to 5 or 6 cycles and it seemed to be diminishing, but I stopped it anyhow. Once excited, it does not get worse, it just moves back and forth through center at a constant rate.
I called Vans. Ken Scott has never heard of such a phenomena. We talked for some time and he suggested installing a trim tab to put a load on the rudder see what happens. Also, I need to check the trailing edge. Maybe the bend is not tight enough although I will not squeeze it just yet.
Anyone here have any thoughts on a rudder that will cycle if excited. It seems like it has neutral stability, it doesn't want to quit but it does not get worse. (It might quit after more than 6 cycles as it was slowing down the on the second check)
After a few cycles I stopped it with the rudder pedals. I kicked the rudder again, this time I let it go to 5 or 6 cycles and it seemed to be diminishing, but I stopped it anyhow. Once excited, it does not get worse, it just moves back and forth through center at a constant rate.
I called Vans. Ken Scott has never heard of such a phenomena. We talked for some time and he suggested installing a trim tab to put a load on the rudder see what happens. Also, I need to check the trailing edge. Maybe the bend is not tight enough although I will not squeeze it just yet.
Anyone here have any thoughts on a rudder that will cycle if excited. It seems like it has neutral stability, it doesn't want to quit but it does not get worse. (It might quit after more than 6 cycles as it was slowing down the on the second check)