Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

[swift1b]

Just been checking the rigging on our BC12D and found that it does not have the rudder pedal return springs. I searched the forum and found a lot of information but cold not find any info on where the springs are attached.. to the pedal as well as the anchor point ( frame/firewall?). Would appreciate any information on this..also does anyone still have any springs for sale?

bob p

[M Towsley]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

Bob,

Forrest had the springs a couple of years ago. As to attachment points, I would have to look. I am sure someone else will pop-in here with that information.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

There is a ring on the tubing on the firewall and a ring on the back of the rudder pedal. I used to have nos springs, need to see if I have any left

[Dick Smith]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

Maybe these pictures will help.

[swift1b]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

Marty, "Ragwing" and Dick

Thank you all for the excellent information! This will allow my son and I to get these springs on ASAP!

Take care.. and thanks again

bob p

[Guest]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

I never noticed before but they do look a bit like the trim cable spring.

I wonder if they are the same part number?

Dave

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

I think Forrest mentioned the Spring company was still in business or one could still get the springs off the shelf. I may be thinking of the Paint company still in Business(in Alliance) that supplied the orginal crinkle paint on Instrument panel . Shees forgetfull just surfing the web

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

I had a batch of new trim springs made a couple of years ago, this is the stock-in-trade for many a spring manufacturer, so it would be easy to get a batch of rudder springs made (set-up cost deemed a batch of 50 to be economical).

[swift1b]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

Robert

These springs are actually 8 inches in length? I recall someone on the forum mentioning 5+ inches. When measuring the distance from the attachment point to pedal it was close to 8 inches. I suppose there are a lot of variables that will provide enough tension to keep the slack out of the rudder cables..

Thank you for your input..

bob price

[Guest]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

Hi Bob,

Here is an opinion that is worth twice what you paid for it ;

The only useful function of those springs is to stop the rudder pedalas from falling aft when there are no feet on the rudder pedals.

Tension on the rudder cables is supplied by human legs and feet.

The springs stop the pedals from falling aft against the floor resulting in a situation where you can't get in and put your feet on them.

If this is all true then nearly any reasonable replacement will suffice.

Make sense to anybody but me?

Dave

p.s. - the fact that you never knew that you were missing them may help my point

[3Dreaming]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

Hi Bob,

Here is an opinion that is worth twice what you paid for it ;

The only useful function of those springs is to stop the rudder pedalas from falling aft when there are no feet on the rudder pedals.

Tension on the rudder cables is supplied by human legs and feet.

The springs stop the pedals from falling aft against the floor resulting in a situation where you can't get in and put your feet on them.

If this is all true then nearly any reasonable replacement will suffice.

Make sense to anybody but me?

Dave

p.s. - the fact that you never knew that you were missing them may help my point

I have also used them to add a little pressure to one side or the other to make the airplane fly hands off without adding a trim tab to the rudder. I also seem to remember a few links of chain to go along with the spring.

[swift1b]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

Hmmmmmmmmmm

You have given me a lot to think about! The points you make seem reasonable

bob price

[Marv]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

A little tension on the springs will also help the rudder from getting beat around somewhat if parked out side.

[Bird]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

As a construction worker we used to steal the door springs out of outhouses to hold the swing brake on the old P+h cranes--they look about the same size lol

[M Towsley]

Re: Rudder Pedal Return Spring Connections

Ah Bird, I see you re-purposed the springs from the outhouses.......