PLTRF01

Just about to make and fit a few more, makes the Zenair very comfortable in turns :)

I think there is a bit more to consider than that. If you look at that link, you will see this "The Preloading of the spring is handled internal to the spring, using an adjustable rod, providing no force to the airframe while in flight. The ramp effect of the original plastic material has been milled away and the steering arms now ride on a flat surface.". The ramp effect is there for a reason. It is a bit of a pain, but it is also necessary. With the all flying tail, you need a centring force on the rudder, and that's what the ramps are for. Milling them flat is altogether too casual an approach. If that is done, you will need to provide some centring springs for the rudder pedals. Unlike the ramps, these will provide additional resistance to turns when taxying. It is one of the disagreeable aspects of the 701's handling in flight, that there is such a self centring tendency, but not having it can be more disagreeable.Other than that, it looks like one of the better thought out ideas from Jan, and it is even reasonably priced.

 

Regards,

 

Paul

Hi Paul

I have just flown with similar unit to the Viking spring. Yes, you are right, no need to mill out the V, because the rudder feel comes OK once the bungee is removed And you are right on ground handling - I surprised myself a bit on landing first time so better use ballet slippers than workboots. Not really, but it is much lighter with the spring than with the bungee so a light touch on the pedals is needed. I had 900hrs with bungees, never go back...

Peter

Welcome, 2 hrs N of Bkk by road

How about GA ?? Any action ?

Was there quite a few times looking at Minshengs dairy project. Circled by mountains and often covered by cloud. What is the saying, harder to get to Chengdu that it is to get to Heaven...

Thanks Nev.

Yes, they are Ok if they stay intact.

Two problems with the 701/Viking.

1. the usual with the 701, the unintended consequence that the rudder control has to pull against the bungee in both directions, so it has little feel.

2.The other is that the Viking Honda is right up against the firewall, so the bungee is getting plenty of heat. The steel spring fixes both.

Here is what one user says "What I noticed and discovered:

• No scrunching and squeaking sound of bungee rubbing during ground handling, much easier to steer with a tow bar and smooth feeling.
   
   
  
• During taxi NO excessive friction in turning on the ground and much sharper taxi turns if you can imagine that.
   
   
  
• Much nicer ride on ground - not "ratchety" as experienced with the bungee.
   
   
  
• Very smooth in high speed taxi tests.
   
   
  
• Controlled "drop tests" of lifting the nose at low speed while taxing were very smooth.
   
   
  
• In flight it is a whole new "rudder system feel" - light and beautiful... airy if you will. I set it up so the cross rod does not bottom on the "Aluminum V notch" in the bottom of the bearing package / strut cross tube.
   
   
  
• Remember the 701s have an angle aluminum with a shallow notch not the big bearing surface like the 750
   
   
  

I think the key in all this is the rudder feel. But there is a plus in install and forget.

Ill tell you how the local guy gets on. So, we'll be fitting two here in next month or so. One in recent kit build, other in old CZAW build, which is a little more work. Mike in CM has one in the Cruzer

Also have the "steel bungee" from Viking, yet to fit it. It is a marked improvement on the bungee, and apart from durabiulity, gives a rudder feel that 701's have never had before,

Another guy here is making his own, based on the Viking unit. He successfully swapped all the bungees out of his Skyfox

Remember this is one of the first 50 with boxy intake manifold, Hard to start when hot, likely too rich. Eventually does start. Another guy here seeing same problem.

Mike Wilson in Chiang Mai has a Cruzer flying with last years engine, happy.

It is a heavy bird (flew a CZAW CH701/912ULS for 5 years). Pull the power and it comes down fast.

Good fun !

I will swap in the latest ECU

Including a lot more sunlight than you get up there.....coming up to the winter flying activities

Siam Aviation Association, previously Sport Flying Assn Thailand, was formed 1999. Recent years have been a little quite, but there is a core of active flyers, and an occasional builder. More as we gather some momentum again.

Peter

CH701/Viking Honda (one of the first 50)

Oz CPL /Thai UPL