On Wed, 08 Nov 2006 00:18:15 +0100, Mxsmanic wrote:

In a typical small GA aircraft, do the controls have a natural
tendency to return exactly to their neutral positions when you aren't
holding them and when you are on the ground?

Generally, no. The weight of the elevators usually put them in the full-down
position. Ailerons may be one way or the other, depending upon the wind, as
will the rudder. Rudders often have springs associated with them (via the
nosewheel or tailwheel controls) and have a better tendency to go back to
near-zero.

Do they have a tendency to return to exactly neutral in flight if you
release them in level flight?

Depends on how you define "neutral." If you define "neutral" as "faired with
the airfoil they're part of" the answer depends on the loading and trim
condition of the aircraft. If you define "neutral" as "in position for straight
and level flight," the answer is, "generally no," depending, again, on the
loading and trim condition. If you define "neutral" as "least pressure on the
controls," the answer is, "always."

Keep in mind that most airplanes do not have cockpit indication of control
position. We can look towards the wing and make a pretty good estimate of the
aileron position, but the elevators and rudders aren't easily visible from the
cockpit of many airplanes. Even those planes where they are visible, you're
looking at them from such an angle where the precise position (e.g, zero degrees
vs. 5 degrees) is difficult to determine.

My airplane has differential gearing on the ailerons (downgoing aileron doesn't
move as far as the upgoing one) so despite having a good view, it makes it a bit
more complicated.


Ron Wanttaja