Hangar Flying

Hangar Flying => Hangar Flying => Topic started by: Kilo42 on February 19, 2005, 08:36:56 AM

Title: Performance Rudders vs. Standard
Post by: Kilo42 on February 19, 2005, 08:36:56 AM

I am looking at a plane that has the standard rudders.  Are performance rudders a must ?  Can they be modified or replaced?

Thanks

Kilo42

Title: Performance Rudders vs. Standard
Post by: Anonymous on February 19, 2005, 11:41:17 AM

There are many still flying the original style rudders.

You can buy the large rudder plans still at  http://www.rutanaircraft.com/htmlpages/orderform.html and they can be retrofit.

Not a big deal.

Title: Performance Rudders vs. Standard
Post by: Drew on February 19, 2005, 05:45:35 PM

You have plenty of rudder authority with standard rudders airborne and I have demonstrated landings of up to 22 knots direct cross wind (varsity day for me though!).  The large rudders do two things----they look cool----and they get you rudder authority quicker on the takeoff roll.  The quicker rudder authority will let you get off the ground quicker in a crosswind (don't have to drag a brake as long to keep the nose straight).  Converting to the larger rudders is a good first project for a new owner since it is relatively an easy foam and glass job.  It should take about a weekend to do----then you need to add paint.  You can buy the plans off the rutan website (about 15 bucks I think).