Control Systems

Rudder Pedals and Brakes

You can see where I peened the firewall to clear the brake pivot screw.  This is an area that can lead to flight control problems, so it's better to have more clearance than you think you need.

Removable Rear Stick

I did the same thing on my RV-9A.  Used a wishbone clip from the local pool suppy shop, and drilled a 1/4" hole through the stick assembly.  I trimmed off the front button flush with the removable stick and left the back button protruding.

I also sharpened the end of the stick with my grinder to provide a canopy breaking took for emergencies.  Imagine that... an essential piece of equipment that has no extra weight and is self-stowing!

Electric Flap Actuator

I reversed the installation of the electric flap actuator because I had a rebuilt unit from an RV-7/RV-9.  The motor unit mounting is such that the installation must be on the right side of the fuselage.

Autopilot Servos

The roll servo is mounted to a hardpoint consisting of two brackets:  one attached to the center tunnel web and the other attached to the aft spar carry through web.  This provides a very rigid mounting point.

A slot is cut in the tunnel web for the servo push-pull tube.  The position of the control arm on the servo is the neutral position needed for this installation.  The tube mounts to this arm at a 90 degree angle and extends through the slot.

The push-pull tube then mounts to the control torque tube, using a shop-made control horn that is riveted as shown.

The push-pull tube intersects the control horn at a 90 degree angle to the tangent line indicated below.  By having the tube intersecting both the servo arm and the tangent line at 90 degrees, the servo will provide symmetrical control forces.  The extra holes are there to allow some installation flexibility during final rigging.  Due to the angle of the photo, the tangent line position is exaggerated.