Today prior to departure from Honolulu, when doing my flight control check in 20 knot winds (slight crosswind) I moved the stick to the left and it felt “loose” in other words the aileron moved with very little “spring” action. Is this normal in a windy situation? WHen moved the other way it was normal and tight? Would like advice please?
In reply to:
Today prior to departure from Honolulu, when doing my flight control check in 20 knot winds (slight crosswind) I moved the stick to the left and it felt “loose” in other words the aileron moved with very little “spring” action. Is this normal in a windy situation? WHen moved the other way it was normal and tight? Would like advice please?
Laurence,
Sure, it could be normal. Any crosswind component can (often does) create an asymmetric feel on the controls. When this happens to me, I try it again a few times - it usually becomes obvious whether it is a wind effect. If I’m not certain, I reposition the airplane to minimize/eliminate the crosswind component and try again.
Certainly, if you have any doubt at all, don’t depart until you clear up that doubt. After all, this is your primary control system!
- Mike.
Sounds like it may be the aileron-rudder interconnect.
If you have the left rudder pedal pressed, the aileron will fall freely to the left
and vs…
This is nornal, and perhaps you had the rudder pressed and didn’t realize it?
Try it some time with no wind, you may be surprised that the aileron just falls
to the side with the rudder pressed.
Michael
Laurence,
I had this problem develop with a previous SR22 I flew (#128), and Cirrus fixed it during a 2002 annual. Because it was one of 50+ issues addressed, I can’t remember what caused the problem, but I never had any trouble after it was fixed.
Your issue might just be caused by the aforementioned aileron-rudder interconnect or crosswind component, but if you continue to notice an incongruity in the control system, I would get it checked just to be on the safe side.
Thanks. Yes it felt better after I moved the aircraft, but it was the first time I felt that and appreciate the feedback.
Larry:
You will find that the stick has a much different overall “feel” than a conventional yoke. I find it much more like a sports car in that you can actually “feel” the control inputs and the response to any pressure on the stick is instantaneous.
As a result, any outside forces on the control surfaces, such as wind, will be readily transmitted to your hand.
Also, remember there is an interlock with the rudder so every time you have rudder input to counteract wind, or any other rudder inputs, you will feel asymmetric force on the stick as well.
It makes for an airplane that is amazingly responsive.
Thanks. Flew it today to the Island of Lanai, and it was fine. But I will keep my eyes open.