[J.P.]

Follow-up.
I got the Elevator installed. Within a week some [foolish jerk] ran something into the brand new trim tab.

I guess this time it will go more quickly.

[J.P.]

Excellent.

Thank-you.

[J.P.]

It could be that I just forgot what the RPM is supposed to be for this plane… Video below shows 2,300 ish.

[J.P.]

OK… After making some clever brackets to hold some lead weight, I found the box full of lead tire weights hiding in the hangar…

With the tip in place, it took 6 oz of lead to balance the elevator to Zero In/Oz (LOTS of paint on this elevator). I’ll use the existing counter-weight screws to attach an aluminum strap to hold the weights in place, then FINALLY mount the new aileron.

[J.P.]

DANG!!!
Thanks for sharing that, I will definitely keep an eye out for these little [expletive deleted] critters.

I have never experienced induction FOD. In fact, the ONLY time I have had RPM issues has been due to fowled plugs. Our AA-1A has the Auto-Fuel STC, and we have made the following observations:

100LL – fowled plugs
Premium unleaded – clean plugs, but more instances of water in the tanks.

[J.P.]

Somewhere, I have the issue of Flying Magazine where Bede lays out how he had planned to sell and support the BD-1/AA-1. He was going to sell planes like Ford sells cars. If I can find it, I’ll scan and post.

[J.P.]

It’s not my favorite balancing method.
If I’m reading the manual correctly…
1. I need to build a balancing stand for better results
2. You’re allowed 0 to +32 in oz (meaning the trailing edge of the elevator cannot weigh more than 4.5 oz with the elevator resting on the balance point.

My first findings indicate that my new elevator needs some substantial counterweight as it is at +73 in/oz. That’s a lot of paint (and probably some dead bugs).

[J.P.]

We may have a guy. He does auto upholstery, but thinks he can manage if we provide the material (which we have on hand).

fingers crossed…

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