Thanks, Ed..... I was just going to enter the same comments.....the need for a way to control the elevator IF the elevator cable failed.....Not likely an event, but potentially deadly if one could not control the elevator....
The seperate elevator trim control gives that safety cusion. I think this is ponted out somewhere in the manuals...but haven't looked today. :) Fly Safe - Have Fun Harry Francis N93530 ________________________________ From: Ed Burkhead <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Mon, August 30, 2010 4:13:53 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
