> My question is regarding (of course) the rudder. I really, REALLY like > to have the rudder pedals connected to the nose wheel. I understand the > Alon, Mooney, and possibly Fourney variants had this. Is there an STC or > 337 procedure for retrofitting this on the 415c/cd/d?
Les,
My 415-D has an Alon rudder pedal kit modification. With the Alon
kit
(not available anywhere I know of), the pedals run both the rudders and
the nosewheel. That was normal for the Alon and Mooney. Forney models
I don't remember. ERCO and Saunders Ercoupes, when they had pedals, had
the nose wheel steering linked to the wheel.
Having conventional pedals-controlling-steering greatly reduces
your
precision of control when taxiing and during other ground work. That
could lead you into an accident damaging the plane (car drivers usually
turn the wheel first, then press the pedals in an emergency). It has
exactly one advantage: With the nosewheel on the pedals, after
touchdown the ailerons can be turned fully into the wind preventing any
rise of the up-wind wing. I have no worry during 30 mph direct
crosswind landings on 20' wide runways. Try that in _anything_ else.
As to flying qualities with rudder pedals, there isn't much
surface to
the rudders. I have just enough rudder authority to make a straight in
final with the upwind wing low and the centerline of the plane lined up
with the runway AT UP TO 15 MPH DIRECT CROSSWIND. At higher crosswinds,
I level the wings and land in a crab just like a two-control Coupe.
In any Coupe in which the nosewheel is attached to the ailerons,
there's a tendency for the up-wind wing to lift after touchdown. This
normally doesn't cause problems. Pressing firmly on the brakes right
after touchdown normally prevents/minimizes this wing lift.
Because of the rudder surface, I have to push the pedals quite a
ways
to get the desired effect. They also don't auto-center all that well
because of the small surface. If you have rudder pedals, be aware that
you'll have to spend time pushing them. (Yeah, you can leave your feet
on the floor and not have the ball be too far out of center.)
With pedals, you can side/forward slip your landings. You can
steer
with your feet while you fold maps and fiddle with your electronics.
You _and_your_passenger_ can get uncomfortable knees on cross country
flights. Passengers, especially, worry about even touching the pedals
and crashing the plane -- and to avoid touching the pedals they have to
sit in a somewhat cramped position.
In my opinion, I'd say it is a wash. Having or not having pedals
would
not be a decision factor for me. I'd buy the better plane, regardless.
--
Ed Burkhead
East Peoria, Ill.
N3802H, 415-D
<<attachment: winmail.dat>>
