In a message dated 9/4/2003 8:06:09 PM Central Daylight Time, marv@lancaironline.net writes:
I am really ignorant,but I suppose I am not the only one,so can you explain me what is the Reichel Trim System?
Alain,
Let me use the long explanation.....
The original 320/360 pitch control was very sensitive but reqired quite a bit of stick movement. A girth challenged individual studied the system and found that if he shortened the elevator bellcrank from 4" to 3", he also shortened the stick throw 25% and increased the stick forces. Almost everyone adopted this modification. Terrific, but then the original springs were not capable of holding trim at speed extremes. Stiffer springs were made available, but then the crucifix trim mechanism, dependent on friction, had to be tightened so as to become almost unusable except by those with formidable forearm strength. Soon thereafter, Dick Reichel created the walnut-wheeled (about 4-4.5 inch diameter) geared trim system which, because of the gear leverage, was able to easily manage the stronger springs and also provides a trim position display which could be lighted for night reference. Indeed, some of us have marked the indicator for the takeoff neutral position. It is a very nice device that Lancair, for some unknown reason, decided not to provide to builders. I can't imagine aircraft operations without it.
Scott Krueger Sky2high@aol.com II-P N92EX IO320 Aurora, IL (KARR)
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