Hi Neville,
Just for interest. I have also have the 1983 model Dimona serial no 3349. Your aileron stiffness problems do not sound model based to me. Mine is very light and responsive and the records do not suggest any change in the past. Just my 2 cents (SA Currency) worth. Best Regards Hannes ________________________________ From: neville swan [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 18 October 2010 09:10 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [DOG mailing list] Re: NZ Dimona Hi All. Pleased to report that we now have a Dimona flying in NZ. Thanks to much help from Ian (Williams), ZK-GPH flew a total of three hours last Saturday without any problems. Incidently, the question that CAA had raised about the fuel shut off valve was resolved by Diamond confirming that the earlier Truma 8L valve was replaced with the 19055 valve, which is not lifed. Concerns about possible high CHTs were unfounded with a max of 180C on full power climb which was a relief, however, as a glider pilot, I found the stick loads on the ailerons to be uncomfortably high. I know this subject was discussed within the group some time ago but wondered if anything had been resolved. The ailerons are mass balanced so (theoretically) the springs should not be needed, so what purpose do they fill? Would it be possible to fit lighter springs? Only had the engine off for a short time so the gliding potential, which is most important to me, has not yet been explored but the indications are very good. Cheers, Neville. This email and all contents are subject to the following disclaimer: www.lonmin.com/emaildisclaimer
