Van's Aircraft RV-12, Maintenance Manual

Page: 91 / 217

Rev. 4
6-5
8. Install the F-1227 Seat Ramp Cover (r efer to KAI ). If the four screw holes for the
F-1233 Control Column Mount Brackets (r efer to KAI ) do not align with the cover,
a light upward pull on the stick will correct the misalignment until the screws are
inserted and tightened.
NOTE: Cable tension will change significantly with changing temperature.
The cable tensions given below are for an aircraft inside a 70 O F hanger .
9. Position one of the WD-1212 Control Sticks so that the top end is 10 inches from
the instrument panel. Secure the control stick in place using a spring clamp to
attach it to a 41" long stick bridged between and clamped to the upper longerons.
Check the cable tension just aft of the F-1207B Baggage Bulkhead using a
calibrated cable tension meter making sure the control stick is correctly
positioned.
Adjust turnbuckles an equal number of turns each to achieve 35-45 lbs of tension
with the groove in the cable ends aligned with a V-notch in each turnbuckle barrel
as shown in Figure 17. This tension will prevent the cables from "slapping"
against the tailcone bulkheads when the control sticks are moved suddenly and
repeatedly forward then aft.
10. Remove the clamp and stick from the control stick and the weight from the
stabilator.
Move the control stick between the forward and aft pitch stops. The stabilator
should reach its travel stops just before the corresponding control stick stops are
reached. If not, adjust the turnbuckles an equal and opposite number of turns
until this is achieved. (Example: If the stabilator reaches its T.E. up stop too soon
loosen the upper turnbuckle and tighten the lower turnbuckle. This will lengthen
the upper cable and shorten the lower cable). After making adjustments repeat
step 6 to reconfirm proper cable tension.
11. Once the proper tension is achieved, and no more than three threads are
exposed from the ends of the barrels, align the V-notch in the ends of the barrel
with the groove in the cable ends and then insert the lock clips as shown in
Figure 17. The hook end of the lock clips are inserted into the hole in the center
of the barrel and must be completely pressed in until the hook springs open
inside the barrel.