Thanks Ed, I think this is perhaps the best answer to all of the questions
and ideas / answers in this topic!
Maynard, NC99843, NorCal EOC ding-a-ling.
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----- Original Message -----
From: Ed Burkhead
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 1:13 PM
Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] trim tab requirements
On 2010-08-30 6:04 AM, John Cooper wrote:
OK, then why did Erco require the trim tab when installing the C-85 if
it is not necessary? For that matter, why did they introduce it at all?
That was the time period when the FAA (and the industry) were realizing it
was a darn good idea to have a backup system for all essential controls.
The rudders act as a backup system to the ailerons. On most aircraft, the
ailerons can do their job without the rudders (though sloppily).
If the elevator cable(s) break, the spring trim system provides no backup at
all. You are dependent on the plane's natural pitch stability and trim with a
loose elevator. Bill points out that this should be something controllable.
Me, I don't know.
However, with the aerodynamic trim tab, the plane should remain controllable
in pitch and airspeed sufficient to make a walk-away landing. With a skilled
pilot, the aerodynamic trim should let you get down undamaged.
Ed
