Rudder Alignment Question

N2520V · Post by **N2520V** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:21 pm

This may be a stupid question, but I'll ask anyway. I'm restoring a '48 ragwing and just bolted the rudder onto the v-stab and noticed something curious. When the counter-balance is in the neutral position, the rudder is deflected about 3 degrees to the right. A thorough inspection revealed no damage to the rudder spar or counterbalance rib. I'm at a loss to explain it. It's been suggested by my mechanic that it was possibly manufactured that way. Anyone have any info?

Thanks.

-Dustin

Post by **GAHorn** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:24 pm

Are you certain the Vertical Stabilizer is true? Is it possible the upper rib and counterbalance of the rudder is slightly twisted? (Caution: A common method of locking the controls on these airplanes is to use wedges or wood blocks, etc. to "lock" the rudder to the vertical stabilizer. This leads to damage to the rudder because the counterbalance is simply not sufficiently robust to absorb winds/helicopters/etc. without damage. It's very possible your rudder has been so damaged.)

wingnut · Post by **wingnut** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:14 pm

The rudder can be damaged, as George described. If no damage is apparent, it is more likely that the rudder has been reskinned without being properly jigged to maintain symmetry. Not uncommon.

N2520V · Post by **N2520V** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 5:12 pm

Guys, thanks for the info. Looks like we'll be doing some work to correct this. I appreciate the feedback!

-D