Here are a few more thoughts on the rudder cable discussion:
-Modifying the cable to rudder attach points so that there is no "kinking"
is a good idea, but the real important thing is to be sure the glass "pass
through" holes are placed and shaped so that there is no chance for interference
with the cable. I have seen some situations where the cable was able to
catch on the edges of the glass and bind the rudder travel. Not good.
-It is important to be sure you can get complete rudder travel as designed,
but I see no need to modify so that you can get even more. So far I have not
run out of rudder travel when landing in all kinds of cross wind in
Lightnings and Esquals - well over 500 hours. Both airplanes have enough rudder
effectiveness to perform good slips as they are designed.
-From a maintenance perspective, you will probably need to re-tighten your
rudder cables after about 6 months to a year of use. They cables seem to
stretch a little and loosen up enough that you will have too much slack. I have
noticed this on most of the Lightnings that I have flown. You will notice
this need to re-tighten the cables if you are flying and can move the rudder
pedals slightly without feeling any actual rudder input. On one airplane you
could mode the rudder pedals more than an inch in either direction without
feeling any real rudder travel. And don't forget to re-safety the turn buckles
after adjusting the cable tension.
Blue Skies,
Buz
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