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John, I had aileron flutter once about 20 years ago as I was approaching 140 mph in a smooth air dive. I immediately loaded the aileron controls by starting a turn and the flutter stopped. Everyone to whom I've related this story has advised me I could easily have had the aileron rip off the plane since flutter can do severe damage quickly. Having said that, I haven't ever heard of a Coupe having aileron flutter related structural failure. Let's keep it that way. The solution is to replace the control rod ends with new ones so you have tight controls. I'm not a mechanic so consult with a good one. If you're a member of the EOC, call one of the club technical advisors - their numbers are in the members-only section of the club website at http://www.ercoupe.org. Here's the way to check your free-play: Excerpt from Ercoupe Service Memorandum No. 57: In the past, some difficulty has been experienced with the attachments of the aileron balance weights. These balance weights, in addition to being a maintenance problem, might present a flight hazard if permitted to become loose and remain that way. As a result of recent tests and analysis, it has been determined that the aileron weights on the Ercoupes may be removed and the aileron will still maintain freedom from flutter throughout the operational range of the airplane, provided the aileron free play does not exceed 5/16". In order to measure aileron free play, one aileron should be blocked in the neutral position and the free play measured at the trailing edge of the other aileron. In checking the motion, care should be taken not to exert sufficient force to deflect some of the members, thereby getting a false reading. (See Service Memorandum No. 56.) It is recommended that the aileron system be checked for free play after every 100 hours of operation and if measurement exceeds 5/16", all joints and bearings should be checked and those which are loose should be tightened or replaced. Removal of aileron balance weights is not mandatory, but is recommended for all Ercoupes Model 415C, 415CD, E, and G. These rod-ends aren't too expensive. I think a few hundred bucks can replace them all including labor (I might be displaying my ignorance about the labor). Ed Burkhead ====================== TO UNSUBSCRIBE go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm
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