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From: Neil
Product: Crash Story
Date: 29 Nov 2000
Time: 15:01:28
Remote Name: 128.162.188.125
I had aileron and elevator flutter. The reason I know that is because I had broken CA hinges in both. In trying to solve the problem I did several things; 1) tightened all control linkages, 2) sealed the hinge gap, 3) switched to high end servos (Futaba 9202's), changed elevator pushrod to DB carbon fiber with a tight (but smooth) fitting rod guide about half way down the rod to minimize flex. All these things seemed to help but it didn't eliminate it (ie: the "crash"). During the rebuild I moved the elevator servo back to the tail underneath the stab on the port side. Now the push rod is about 5 inches long with no flex. I also went from a .91 to a .61 for power with a 12x6 prop to reduce speed. Now it flies great. After reviewing all the issues around this problem I still am not sure what caused it but have a hunch it might be related to the fact that I tappered the trailing edges of the elevator and ailerons to a fairly sharp edge. I now hear that keeping them squared off helps to minimize flutter. I'll probably never find out.