Hi Jim,
An easy way to balance the weights is to hang a cup from the rear of the
tail plane (with a piece of string) and fill the cup with weights until
the tailplane balances. Then weigh the cup and contents, and with the
lengths of the associated moment arms, calculate exactly how much weight
must be cut from the mass balance weights. This procedure is written up
in detail at the URL listed below. Everything should be connected,
ready for flight, including the trim tab link rod. Because of the
system friction, you will need to tap the tailplane up, then down, to
see how far it goes each way, to determine if you are in balance or not.
http://terryseaver.home.comcast.net/N135TD_mods.htm
Look at the section called "Tailplane mass balance procedure"
Regards,
Terry Seaver
A135 / N135TD
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Jim Butcher
Subject: Europa-List: Tailplane Mass Balance
How does one go about balancing the tailplanes? I have the tailplanes
with trim tabs in place. I have not connected the trim tabs to TS05
trim tab link rod. All the rest of the pitch control system is
connected. I have installed Mod 70 but this is my initial attempt at
balance. The weights are clear of pitch control stop structure and the
new tuffnal strips from Mod 70. If I take both weights off TP18 the
mass balance arm it swings up to its stop. However if I add the weights
the tailplanes can be put in any position and stay there.
Is the idea to add just enough weight so the tailplanes come to their
neutral position aligned with the fuselage?
I read a thread that referred to stick forces when displaced from
neutral. Is this the way to set up the balance?
Obviously there is something I don't understand. Can anyone shed some
light?
Thanks
Jim Butcher A185 N241BW
Close to going to the airport
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