RAF lost trim spring tension

[StanFoster]

I was preflighting just before my take off roll today. I checked all the controls...only this time I really cycled them good. I must have cycled them too good as you will see as you read on. I had a strong cross wind and took off. I soon noticed that I needed a good bit of right stick to keep from turning left. I suspected a trim spring had come loose. It was kind of tiring flying and holding all that consant right stick. I usually have my camera on board...so I thought....hmmmmmm. I stuck the camera out the left side and took a few shots trying to capture my trim spring.

I looked over the several shots I took...zoomed in on one...and went...ah..ha... There plain as day was my trim spring clearly seperated from my trim cable. I went ahead and flew for 45 minutes anyway...and then landed...and hooked it up. I am going to crimp the hook so it just slips over the chain link.

Anybody ever have this happen? Or better yet...are your springs secured better than mine?

Stan

[KenSandyEggo]

Mine are.....now.

[StanFoster]

My problem is that I have most of the trim tension on the left side off since I have an empty right seat. I am going to adjust the trim pressure so there is more constant tension. At least...thats my thinking... :rolleyes:

[Udi]

I like that picture, Stan! Pretty brave of you to hold the camera outside the cabin like that.

When your trim spring falls off the chain, can't the chain flop around and get caught in something? That would be unpleasant...

Maybe you can use a safety wire to limit the movement of the chain.

Udi

[Russell]

I had mine fall off while the FAA guy was watching me move the controls, During my inspection!!!!! I will post a pic later to show you the fix!
Russ

[StanFoster]

Udi: Good idea on the safety wire. When I landed...I checked the spring to see if it could "jam" somewhere. If you look lback at the picture..it is slightly stuck between the blue anodized control rod and the axle brace.

I think I will take your advice and safety wire these springs to the chain. I dont like my idea of tightening the hook down smaller...as I could see that weakening the hook. I would rather start off on the ground like I did with no trim pressure than to have it suddenly release in flight. :eek: Especially since I let go of the controls quite a bit. Not last night though. :D

[KenSandyEggo]

Plastic cable-ties looped loosely around the chain and control-rod works. (Loop it through the link).

[Harry_S.]

Stan:

You got me to thinking. I thought I had posted an experience I had on this same thing , on the RAF Owners thread. I checked all the way back thru the RAF thread and couldn't find it. Darn, I know I'm getting old...but come on!!

I searched back thru my posts and found it...Jan 8,04...Two Place Enclosed Machines, RAF 2000 H/Stab. Anyhow, the fix I used is a plastic ty-wrap thru the eye of the link and around the hook of the spring. It's fail safe, in my opinion.

Cheers

[StanFoster]

Harry: I must have missed that thread. Thanks..Ken and Harry for the plastic tie idea.