Aileron spades

[pete]

Hello everyone,

I just completed my experimental t-craft project and flew it a few times. I'd like to lighten up the aileron controls and thought aileron spades would be the best option. Any info, drawings or photos or disagreements would be helpful.

Thanks,
Pete

[zero.one.victor]

Re: Aileron spades

I've seen several models of aircraft with aileron spades, some for acro (Citabria) and some not (rans S7). I never thought much of them-- just one more thing to damage and/or whack your head on, plus they look bad. I wonder if building some new bellcranks or something in the aileron control system for lighter feel might be the ticket. Maybe just longer control sticks (if so equipped)- of course, this would affect the feel of the elevator also.

Eric

[Acroeric]

Re: Aileron spades

The spades do help- they lighten the loads about 30% or so and can be shimmed to provide the right breakout. I'm adding them to my clipwing project but have yet to install them. I'd recommend going to look at a Pitts that has them and duplicating that design. Due to the length of the hinge line I would not make them too large- they do impose some stress on the hinge and spar.

[Vasey fan]

Re: Aileron spades

Warren Pietsch had a set on his short wing Swick, don't know if he put them back on after the last rebuild. He also put a set on Duane Cole's ship back in '88. You might be able to get a pair from him.

[Vasey fan]

Re: Aileron spades

P.S. How about some pics of your machine?

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Aileron spades

I dislike spades because as said before one more thing to hit your head on. I will be changing the mechanical advantage in my clipwing and maybe even mass balance the ailerons so as not to impose uneven loads on the ailerons

Mike

[VictorBravo]

Re: Aileron spades

Servo boost tabs ??? "Elephant ear" aerodynamic balances on the ends ??? "Over-center" springs on the bellcranks ???

[d.grimm]

Re: Aileron spades

I have flown aircraft with boost tabs and centering springs (not T-Crafts)
and boost tabs give a lot of feedback thru the stick in turbulence, and centering springs just screw up any feel you had. KISS Keep it simple stupid) I'm sure that's why Husky's and Citabria's have spades.

[pete]

Re: Aileron spades

Thanks for all the replies,
I think there's alot to the KISS principle. Didn't think of overcenter springs.
How about the servo tab on the Swick-T?

Pete

P.S. I'll post some pics

[Acroeric]

Re: Aileron spades

I slaved the servo tabs on my swick and couldn't feel any difference at all. . . .I think they are way too small to make much difference. . . . my Cole had spades and I did like those- easilly tuned for the right feel. . .

[pete]

Re: Aileron spades

I'm going to put the spades on. Approaches were kind of a handful when the wind got squirrelly. Going to need the extra boost. Don't want to change anything else. Yep, going to have to watch the head too.

Pete

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Aileron spades

Correct , the servo tabs are a bit small. Counter balance is good, spades are good . NOW lets hear it from others , which hinge point? , inside, middle or outer. It has been at least a year since I bumped my head on an airplane

[VictorBravo]

Re: Aileron spades

I'm going to put the spades on. Approaches were kind of a handful when the wind got squirrelly. Going to need the extra boost. Don't want to change anything else. Yep, going to have to watch the head too.

Pete

Put a small subber U-shaped extrusion on all edges of the spades. Put it on with "Shoe Goo" or silicone inside the U-channel and wipe off any spills or seeps with MEK. When you do bump your head into it, it will make less of a slice

Also, big foam blocks with slots cut into them should be put on while hangared. Have the big red "remove before fright" flags on them. You can reduce injuries to yourself and the airplane greatly.

Although I have ZERO experience with clipwings, I would guess the spades should go at the middle hinge. The spade does not put any roll force on the airplane, it only puts the roll force on the aileron itself. As such it does not need to be out near the end of the wing like the aileron does. The middle of the aileron would put the least amount of asymmetrical twisting on the aileron structure.

[Marcus Bates Jr]

Re: Aileron spades

I installed my spade vertical support on the center hinge, behind the spar. Seems the strongest and most practical area to do so.