Extending a tapered elevator

[Fodder]

On my Seagull Extra 300s, the elevator was never quite enough (too many nose overs), so since I have to repair it anyhow, I decided to extend the elevator.

Question, what is the best method when the elevator is tapered?

I was thinking of extending it an inch by just butt gluing 3/16" to it and then gluing some 1/32 cross grain on both sides and sanding it out smooth.

[s.millington]

Hi Fodder:

I'm just getting one of them ready for the coming season. At least one other (and my observation is that probably) the landing gear is to far aft.
It's something like half way between the LE and the CG. I think it should be closer to the LE. That's the way Extras look anyway. I'm desciding whether to tilt them forward, or replace them with a single piece and tilt.
How did the stock gear hold up?

I had a GMS 61 w BCM ready for mine, but went to an OS 46FX after hearing about this problem and a closer look at the cowl. Unfortunately, it's cut for a 46FX with std muffler. What did do you use to power yours, and how did it fly?

[JimMoss]

Scott have to agree with Shawn on this one.

If it is just noseing over try putting a thin ply wedge under the langing gear, that's what I did with my GP Extra had the same problem on grass.

Made all the difference in the world. :wink:

Jim Moss :)

[Fodder]

I thought about wedging the landing gear a bit, but then the tapped holes will be off.

s.millington
I started with a OS46fx, but it wasn't enough power (for me). Verticle was marginal. After I put in a Saito 72, I loved it - except for the ground handling. Full speed dives tend to flutter - hence my repairs. :oops:

First flight was good, the landing was a tad hard and it ripped out the landing gear plate - definitely reinforce that. Second landing, was smoother, nothing that I would consider rough and the damn firewall fell off. (I have to point out, that I didn't do the test flights and the gentleman that did doesn't make too many errors, so I don't think it was his landing. Oh ya, both landings were dead sticks. I have since gone to nylon bolts for the landing gear. I know it is a great landing when I don't snap them on "impact".

This plane with the saito is amazing to fly, Too bad I can't say the same for my ground handling. Some days, I want to put my foot through it. I know I am taxing too slow and I can't stop and start. sometimes I nose it over 3 or 4 times before I can't get a good taxi.

The balance was perfect, but I put a 14oz tank in it. I am going to reduce it to 10oz now.

So, I plan on tilting the landing gear - or trying and still extending elevator. What's the worst that can happen - I crash. Done that already. I also extended rudder an inch. Won't hold knife edge with 46fx.

[JimMoss]

Fodder I used 1/8 ply the size of the landing gear mounting point sanded to a point at the leading edge, then drill the holes slighly oversized.

Bolts won't even know the wedge is there. :wink:

Jim Moss :)

[s.millington]

Thanks Scott and Jim:

As it happens I have a Saito 72. It was planed for a Kyosko Su-31, but the GMS 61 could go into the Su. :idea: I (think) extending the elevator a bit won't hurt as long as the throws don't get out of hand, and hear ya on the rudder. 8)
We'll just call em 300XS :lol:

[Fodder]

It will definitely need some expo. I keep dual rates. One for take off and landing and high for some "crazy" flying.