Hangar Flying => Hangar Flying => Topic started by: Radioflyer on June 04, 2008, 09:59:45 AM
Title: Heavy Hand?
Post by: Radioflyer on June 04, 2008, 09:59:45 AM
I've been flying my LongEz more and more recently and occassionally noticed it having a tendency to bank left more often than not. At first I thought it was a trim problem. However, when I level the plane and let go of the stick, it seems to fly level until some air bump upsets it. Then it goes either left or right. I've been paying more attention to this lately and it seems that my wrist simply wants to rest on the stick pushing it left a bit as I relax. It seems a heavy hand is the culprit. I wonder if other pilots, have noticed this happening to them?
Title: Heavy Hand?
Post by: allen on June 04, 2008, 12:09:21 PM
This is normal. It happens to me as well. It’s a function of our natural anatomical position.
As an experiment stand with your hands relaxed at your sides. You will notice that your palms will turn slightly behind you. Now lock your shoulder and wrist and bend your elbow 90 degrees (forward preferably.) :wink: You will notice that your palm is facing slightly down. This is basically an issue of muscle tone and how our limbs are designed.
Some of the aircraft manufacturers have factored this into their design and angled the side stick to accommodate. An example would be the new Cessna or the old Turbo Commanders.
Hope that helps a bit.
Title: Heavy Hand?
Post by: rglos on June 04, 2008, 01:23:28 PM
It could also be the friction spring on the trim control is loose.
I had this happen. You set the trim and then a gust knocks it off & you have to retrim.