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TRIMMING THE AERODYNAMICS OF YOUR EZ
Like any other aircraft, the trim
and stability of a VariEze or LongEZ depends on correct cg position and proper
contour and incidences of all flying surfaces. There Is an easy way to verify that your
aircraft is rigged properly with the incidences correct. This Involves flying at several
airspeeds while monitoring the elevator position, then comparing your data with the design
information. Measuring elevator position in flight is simple since the pilot can easily
see an indicator attached directly on the elevator surface. If your EZ does not handle,
perform and stall exactly as described In the Owners Manual it could be due to an improper
incidence or contour of the wing, canard or elevator, and you should conduct the test
below to see if your elevator is at the correct position. If the elevator position is not
correct, your airplane may also have a large trim change when flying into rain.
Fabricate the plate and needle from .016 2024 aluminum. Paint the
plate white and the needle black. Mount the plate to your outboard elevator fairing and
the needle to the elevator (use 5 minute epoxy it will later peel off without damaging
your paint job). Calibrate elevator position (plus Is trailingedgedown) using
your elevator position template from Chapter 11, page 6, making a mark on the white plate
every 2 degrees.
Now, load your aircraft to the midcg position (99 for
VariEze and 101 for LongEZ). Fly In stabilized conditions, smooth air in level
flight at 70, 80, 90, 100, 120 and 140 knots indicated. Plot your elevator VS speed data
on the graph shown below. Your data should fall within the limits shown. RAF is interested
to see the variations of this data occurring due to tolerances from one airplane to
another. If you do this test, please send us your data whether or not It is within the
limits shown.