trim tab

[boba65$#]

I have noticed that quite a few folks do NOT build-in the elevator trim (as the plans show). I am wondering if they regret doing so? I would like some feedback on with/without trim feature. As we all know,the closer we get to "hands-off" cruise, the less "work" it is to fly.With the correct cg, and dinking around with the wing-wash in/out.....we can do some pretty good things to get a good balance.Your thoughts on with or without elevator trim for this speed demon? As with anything, the variables are endless.

[Tom H]

Boba, we were flying a LEU several years ago.  Our flights were primarily just around the strip, and all attention was focused on flying the aircraft.  I don't ever remember wishing it had elevator trim (but, we did wish it had more power!).  You should be able to get good elevator balance with proper CG and adjustments of the horiz stab nose up/down position.

On the other hand, we routinely fly our DE Stubby for over greater distances and flight time.  The elevator trim on it is well worth it.  It will now fly hands-off if the winds are light.  The trim is very useful on landing approach.

[MrG]

Hey Boba, i too found that once the plane (DE) was set up correctly in flight at cruise its pretty much hands free, i run a spring bias system using elastic bungees and in take off and landing i never really worry about trim, Tom is 100% correct W&B is essential for proper trim, with the horizontal stab. set correctly its a awesome plane and so easy to fly

[boba65$#]

Mr G....and Tom....thank you ,gentlemen for the input. This is the kind of input that can help us avoid costly, and time-consuming "trial-and-error" along the way. I will likely add trim to my DE (s/n F-95),mainly because I will be training some of the grandkids in basics. As a result, the more "conventional" I build it, the easier the transition will be for them to go to something like a C150/172,etc. But, we cant beat the economy of this little plane. ..............and also.....while dinking around in my shop, I found a COMPLETE trim assy(wheel,housing,chains,cables,ends,etc)that I removed from a 172 about 20 years ago. I thought I sold it!! anyway, the system Leonard uses is certainly workable, bu.......why build from scratch if you can do otherwise? That guy is a very frugal builder, and his generation had to made-do and innovate often. I hope we can pass some of this on to our kids as well!!.............thanks again!!

[Tom H]

The trim system we built used a bowden cable, like on a lawnmower engine speed control.  I got the idea from an Aircoupe trim system.  It is very simple.  The only sensitive area would be to make sure that the cable can move without restriction as it enters the elevator panel, and that it is not bent too severely.  I think this is a much simpler system than what the plans show, and may be a bit lighter.  We have the actuating lever installed on the top fore/aft tube above the cockpit.

[ToddK]

When I was at Leonard's last time looking at the Double Eagle, he said that if did it all over again he would make the trim tab the entire width of the passenger side elevator.

[rfeenstra]

I built the trim tab per the plans except the control lever is above the cabin like the champ.  The trim is great for cruise but looses effectiveness at landing speeds. Bigger might be better.

[Tom H]

I agree that the elevator trim is less effective at landing speeds.  Making it longer, span-wise, would probably fix that.