balancing/ counterweighting control surfaces

[fairchild1934]

are we supposed to counterweight until the surface is neutral balanced or is it supposed to be heavy on the counterbalance side ?
and what are the ramifications if it is too heavy on the counterweight side ?

(if I add a light to the rudder trailing edge-- I wont know how much lead I will need until I get the light and install it---)

Tim

[ScottS]

I believe it’s supposed to be neutral with the fabric and paint on, so a little heavy on the counter weight side before fabric. Scott

[fairchild1934]

Thanks Scott----
I considered if I should build in a sheet aluminum door there - something screwed on. not sure though if I could secure it in a foolproof manner. not sure if that would be practical. You wouldn't want to risk anything like that coming undone and fowling the rudder movement. Maybe I will get the lights and wiring done before I cast the weight. That might be safest.

[alaskabearhawk]

You are referring to the rudder. Are you meaning the elevator?

[rodsmith]

are we supposed to counterweight until the surface is neutral balanced or is it supposed to be heavy on the counterbalance side ?
and what are the ramifications if it is too heavy on the counterweight side ?

(if I add a light to the rudder trailing edge-- I wont know how much lead I will need until I get the light and install it---)

Tim

No lead in the rudder counter balance. It's area ahead of the hinge line acts as the counterbalance.

[fairchild1934]

I must have not noticed that---

[svyolo]

IIRC above a certain speed, rudders require balancing as well, but I believe that is well above BH speeds.

[DBeaulieu]

I asked Bob the need to counter balance on the Patrol rudder (I added an AeroLed Suntail on the trailing edge). He stated that it shouldn't be a concern.