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I read about the new aileron counterweights on the LML and decided to give
them a try.  My kit is vintage 1999, soVern was not sure the new
counterweights (part number INS-1110) would work on such an old plane.  But
they did and worked out very well indeed.  As you may know, one advantage of
the new system is that each counterweight is a single piece of lead that is
simply bolted in place.

Here's what I did.  Trimmed the fwd aileron counterweight flange as per the
manual and to give full aileron throw (up 20 degrees, down 14 degrees).
Mounted the new counterweight as per the instructions that came with them,
but moved the mounting screws aft from what the instructions show so that the
nuts didn't hit the lower wing skins and limit the aileron throw.  Then
balanced the ailerons using a router with a 3/8" straight cutting bit on a
router table to remove material from the aft edge of the counterweight
between the mounting screws.  If you make shallow cuts, a router cuts lead
very nicely.  In the end, removed approx a pound of unneeded lead for the
aileron without the trim system.  That machined counterweight ended up
weighing 4.2 lbs and gave the 1/2" deflection from neutral as per the manual.
 Don't know what the half round pieces of lead provided with my kit (each
weighing 0.82 lbs) would have weighed for the same balance but no doubt it
would be more than with the new counterweight.

Happily the new counterweight is pretty cheap - so much in fact that the
shipping cost nearly a much as the counterweight!  Try it, I think you'll
like it.

Clark Still, New York, 25% LIVP

LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.