Folks You cannot balance with lead strips along the leading edge of the aileron because the piano hinge is mounted at the very front along the top edge. There must be a weighted arm somewhere that protudes forward of the hinge and the longer you can make it the lighter it can be.
Mine is per the plans but made of steel and doubled over both sides of the aileron spruce front face. The weight is tapered along the arm with most as close to the rear spar as possible. Even so, I was surprised how much was needed. If you ran the ailerons right out to the wing tip you could maybe use a longer horn running forward along the tip and save some weight Bear in mind that the arm and weight per the plans normally tucks flush in the wing and causes no drag. There is some drag as it lowers in a turn but you could argue that it assists in keeping the turn balanced. I think in reality the drag is titchy given the small aileron movement needed. I reckon the plan way is the simplest. To provide sufficient space at the hinge for down displacement of the aileron just glass in the aileron spruce front edge back at a slight angle relative to the rear spar. Ron F, re the vacuum fittings. Despite their quality ? the parts I used are cheap as is the tube. Cost is not really a factor although I do appreciate your concern. I'm just curious as to how the manufacturer intended this new design to come apart....maybe it don't and we go the disposable razor path. Ron B, thanks for the site. There is apparently about one thread difference in 22 over an inch and the thread angle is 55 degrees versus 60. For the 1/8" fittings that are about 1/4 inch long I reckon they are almost interchangeable using a tad of teflon.....OK OK.....I know bad practice and I wouldn't do it....but... See Ya John The Martindale Family 29 Jane Circuit TOORMINA NSW 2452 AUSTRALIA phone: 61 2 66584767 email: [email protected]
