SonexBuilders.net

I have spent a bit of time lately tweaking the flying qualities of my airplane. I know I need to add a rudder trim tab but for aesthetic reasons I'd rather not. So, I'm looking for any input as to whether or not you used one, what size (if different from the plans), and how and where you mounted it (again, if different from the plans).

I have an engine that turns the wrong way like the Aerovee ;) and the horsepower of a Jabiru 3300 so can anyone advise as to how much angle to bend the tab for starters? Perhaps it's just a fly and tweak affair after all ...

Any input appreciated ...

Dale
N319WF

Just as an option Dale, I know a lot of the RV guys will head to the local hobby store and find some balsa wood tapered shim stock, maybe 1.5" long and maybe 1/4" thick tapering down to nothing, and use that on the side of their rudder. (Hopefully that makes sense!) There's no weight and you can mess around using double sided tape until you find the length of shim you need for coordinated flight. Once you determine the size of piece you need, take the shim, paint it, and then stick it back on there. It's less "obvoius" than a flat piece of aluminum riveted on the trailing edge.

Just a thought!

MichaelFarley56 wrote:I know a lot of the RV guys will head to the local hobby store and find some balsa wood tapered shim stock, maybe 1.5" long and maybe 1/4" thick tapering down to nothing, and use that on the side of their rudder.

Just a thought!

Quite an excellent idea you have there Mike! That will set the trim and really help hide the tab.

Many thanks ...

Dale Williams
N319WF

MichaelFarley56 wrote: find some balsa wood tapered shim stock, maybe 1.5" long and maybe 1/4" thick tapering down to nothing, and use that on the side of their rudder.

Just to give a quick update.

I found some balsa wood today at a local craft store but they didn't have anything tapered. I got a piece of 1/4 X 3 X 36" for less than $5.00. More to come ...

Dale
N319WF

Dale,

Look up a place that sells tapered "aileron" stock balsa wood. It's made for model airplanes.

http://www.nationalbalsa.com/Balsa_Aile ... k_s/63.htm


http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wt ... XJD18&P=SM

Hey Dale,

I'm sure you can make your own and that would probably be cheaper.

The products I've seen are trailing edge shims, something like http://www.towerhobbies.com and part number
Stock Number
LXCBJB


Best of luck! I hope it helps you out!

ScottM-Sonex1629 wrote:Look up a place that sells tapered "aileron" stock balsa wood. It's made for model airplanes.

Scott & Mike,

Thanks for the links. If needed I'll go that way. I believe that for no larger than the tab will need to be that I should be able to taper a small piece of what I found today. I have a friend that builds model airplanes but he was at work when I called. Said he'd look through his stash when he got home and see what he had available.

Dale
N319WF