Airplane Flight Manual
Van’s Aircraft RV-7A
HB-YMT
7 Aeroplane and system description – Page 3
Edition 01.11.2017
7.3 Flight controls
Dual controls are fitted with both control sticks permanently attached.
Elevator and ailerons are operated through a system of adjustable push rods.
The rudder is operated by a cable system to the rudder pedals.
An autopilot roll servo is attached to the aileron belcrank by a firm pushrod in
the right wing near the main spar. An autopilot pitch servo is attached to the
elevator belcrank by a firm pushrod on the bottom of the rear fuselage.
Both servos can be overpowered & contain a shear screw design, guaranteeing
control continuity.
Control Travel Limits
Maximum
Up/Down
Minimum
Up/Down
Elevator
30°/25°
25°/20°
Aileron
32°/17°
25°/15°
Rudder
35°/35°
30°/30°
Flaps
Down 40°
One inboard flap on each wing is attached to a single flap actuation
mechanism, rendering an asymmetric flap condition impossible. The mechanism
is operated by an electric motor attached to a drive train by the means of a
clutch. The electric motor is wired to the VP200 Control Unit, reversing direction
by switching polarity. A momentary up/down switch on the bottom of the
instrument panel, also wired to the VP200 Control Unit, commands either
extension
or
retraction
of
the
flaps.
A linear position sensor wired to the VP200 Control Unit, enables a graphical
representation of actual flap position on the VP200 Display Unit as well as the
provision of a “step” positioning logic. The logic has 4 positions, UP, 1, 2, Full
Position 1 approximately mirrors 10°, position 2 20° and full 40° of flaps.
The aircraft has both pitch and aileron trim, however no rudder trim is available.
Also, there is no way for the autopilot to affect trim. The aileron trim consists of
an electrical servo operating a spring-bias system connected to the base of the
control sticks. Primary purpose of the aileron trim is to counter fuel imbalance
and an empty or occupied passenger seat. The pitch trim consists of an electrical
servo operating a trim tab on the left elevator. Both trims are controlled with
buttons on the control stick and the aircraft is perfectly controllable, even in a
runaway trim condition.
