RCU Forums - View Single Post - New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!
Old 05-13-2012 | 06:58 AM
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AA5BY
 
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From: White Oak, TX
Default RE: New Decathlons From Seagull 91 and 120 Size!

If there are more than a few clicks of up trim in the elevator, it can mean that the plane is significantly nose heavy or has a decalage issue (incidence mismatch between wing and stab). If it is balanced on the prescribed point and doesn't have an elevator authority issue when landing, I'd suspect a decalage issue.

To adjust an up trimmed elevator toward neutral, the plane needs more lift. This can be gained either by trimming the stab more negative or the wing more positive, whichever is easier. Make changes in small increments of no more than 1/32. I've done that simply by cutting a sliver of 1/64" plywood and gluing to the top or bottom of the dowel holes that establish the incidence and filing slightly on the other side with a round file.

Most of the time, a neutral elevator (with proper plane balance and engine thrust) will produce a good off power glide slope and be a pleasure to land. If the slope is not proper with a neutral elevator, then it is time to think further.