Date: Mon, 09 Jul 2001 21:01:47 -0700 From: "James D. Newman" Subject: COZY: Re: Hidden Bellhorn Question Hi Terry & Howard, > Terry Winnett wrote: > I was wondering if it is possible to install the RAF hidden rudder > bellhorns with out the intermediate spring set up. Yes it is. But you may (probably) have to figure out if the rudder cable needs to attach at a different point on the rudder pedals to allow 4.5" of rudder deployment at the base of the rudder before the brakes engage. The goal is to have full brake and full 5.5+" rudder deployment at the same time, per original LE plans. Note: my first Internal Rudder Horn design back in '83 did NOT have a spring attached to it. > I understand that the spring setup allows the brakes to activate after > full rudder travel, but I'd like to find another way to do this > without concern about the springs limiting rudder travel with > increasing airloads. Or, is this a frivilous concern? See above, and . . . The spring was added somewhere along the line so builders who already had their rudder pedals built and rudder cable attached didn't have to figure out how to get the 4.5" rudder throw before brake activation. Making the rudder have just a little more than 5.5" opening (just a few tenths) may help in rudder cable to rudder pedal placement if your not using the inline spring. > Howard Rogers wrote: > I think the short answer to your question is "no". There MUST be some > give in the system to allow for brake master cylinder travel after the > rudders have hit their stops. But see above :-) . > However, I see no reason why the springs can't be stiffer, if air > loads are overpowering them. You will just have to push a bit harder on > the pedals, and I doubt if it would be that noticeable. Since the > springs are so readily accessible, and easy to change, experimentation > and fine tuning here would be relatively simple. True. But I just don't like the idea that a spring -- that is susceptible to temperature, wear and tear, etc. -- is controlling how far my rudders are deployed based on air speed -- when I want them out, I want them out. NOT what the spring will allow me. And I don't trust them -- if they break, I have no rudder :-( . Infinity's Forever ( http://www.InfinityAerospace.com ), JD EAA Technical Counselor EAA Flight Advisor Test Pilot SOTW, OJAAT