Quik & Quik GT450 Aircraft Operating Instructions
29
th
March 2007
Issue 1
Page 40 of 68
9. TUNING THE WING
9.1. NEW AIRCRAFT
9.2. WING TRIM
A well tuned wing will fly in a straight line hands-off and will respond to control inputs equally in each
direction. However, fabric can stretch slightly with age and ribs can alter shape and get bent or distorted.
The most common problem with flexwings is the tendency for the wing to acquire a turn one way which can
be irritating and tiring on a long flight. Turns like this can be tuned out and are invariably due to rib shape or
tip setting problems. However, it may be that airframe damage has occurred so if a turn becomes apparent
the first thing to do is to check the frame carefully, inspecting for bends and distortion particularly in the
leading edges. If the frame is alright, you should check the ribs against the template and adjust accordingly.
9.3. TUNING GUIDE
For successful tuning, the weather conditions must be smooth, small adjustments must be made ONE AT A
TIME, and notes must be made immediately any changes have been made and check flown. The loading of
the aircraft must also be similar for trials to have comparable results.
Prior to delivery to the customer all new aircraft are flown and set up by either the Factory or by Appointed
Dealers. A full check flight is carried out and adjustments made to the wing to ensure that it is properly
trimmed out and flies hands off at the right speed. Owners are discouraged from making any adjustments. If
you feel your new P&M aircraft is not performing as it should, it is essential that your dealer is immediately
informed.
The following notes are for guidance only. Since tuning of flexwings is a specialised technical procedure, no
adjustment should be made without a full understanding of the principles involved. Please observe the
following simple guidlines:
1. Before making any adjustments check for correct rib profiles against the rib plan supplied. If the aircraft is
not new, then also check the airframe components, particularly the outer leading edges.
2. Never exceed the adjustments specified in this Tuning Guide.
3. Make notes of every adjustment made. Only ever make one adjustment at a time, and carry out a flight test
to gauge the effect before making further adjustments.
4. When the exercise is complete, you should discuss any adjustments made with your Instructor or Dealer
and then enter them in the Aircraft Technical Log.
5. If you cannot get the aircraft to fly as it should, then first return all the settings to standard and reassess the
situation. If this cannot be made to work, contact your Dealer immediately.
If the wing used to fly straight but has recently developed a
turn, then the probability is that damage has occured. It is
necessary to strip and inspect the aircraft before your next
flight. Failure to do so may result in injury or death.
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
