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Hello guys! Registered for this site to get some info on the aileron trim system.
My friend has a 200D based in WI and has allowed me to fly it.
It has an inoperable aileron trim system and flies right wing low. He said it’s been like that a while and if they keep the left outboard fuel full and use it last, it is manageable.
Since he is not charging me to put some time on this great airplane, I thought the least I can do is repair the trim.
I’m an A&P with IA and have been professionally working on aircraft for 30 years.
I have the paperback maintenance manual but there is no info on the aileron trim in it.
Does anyone here have any tech data or even a parts break down?
The tech pages link results in a 404 error with no info.
Thanks in advance,
Dan JohnsonHi Dan,
The Aero-Commander built D model has a different aileron trim system than the earlier Meyers built planes. Meyers versions are indeed hydraulic while the Commander built versions use a spring system which is underneath the front seats.The Commander version isn’t very effective and I know of several owners that just never bothered replacing the spring when it broke.
Also, if you email me at deansiracusa@gmail.com I’ll send you the latest version of the maintenance manual.
Dean-If I recall, if an A/P is installed, the system then becomes inop so as to not interfere with the A/P servos, right?
Dan-does the bird have an A/P?
Actually, that’s not correct. The aileron and elevator trims continue to function even with an autopilot installed and activated.
With the aileron trim, it’s force is very mild so it’s not an issue for the autopilot to override it. All it’s doing is adding additional pressure to the entire system to keep the wings level. And since it’s just a spring, it’s not a lot of force.
With the elevator trim, the autopilot’s electric trim makes the needed adjustments. You can even see the elevator trim knob move when you use the electric trim lever on the yoke.
Hi, my plane also turns right. aileron trip I ineffective. The Brittain B4 AP has a wing leveller which also see permanent left aileron input.
I noticed that the left aileron is not in line with the trailing edges of the flap and with the wing tip. In flight it is showing a slight drop at the flap side which induces the right wing low attitude and the turn.I will try first with trim tap setting and than by rerigging.
ThomasDefinitely check the rigging of the ailerons as well as the flaps. And, the flaps have a unique bushing on them that are asymmetrical. If one of them is replaced with an incorrect bushing, it may be a cause of your issue.
Also, since you have a D model 200, check the spring for the aileron trim which is under the front seat. Either remove the kick plate below your front seats, and/or remove the seats themselves to get a better look.
Thanks guys, just emailed Dean.
This 200 is serial 303. The person who does the annual has been adding/replacing oil to the system but the owner says it doesn’t help. The last time he put in thicker oil and that didn’t last either.
I’m guessing there is a seal or Oring in the master actuator that is bypassing the pressure.
I have not opened it up to see what it looks like. Still winter here in the North Woods.
DanHey guys, back at it again on this plane.
It has the hydraulic aileron trim not a spring.
The manual Dean sent has no mention of the aileron trim system.
Does anyone have any info on this?
This airplane,SN 303 has an autopilot but doesn’t seem to be able to keep the wings level and the owner says it becomes annoying holding the yoke constantly.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Dan JohnsonThe early Aero Commander 200D’s were essentially built by Meyers and have their original hydraulic aileron trim system. It’s complicated but Meyers built owners have solutions for maintaining them. Talk to Neslon Harding, Dave Smith or Ashley Wade about it. I’m sure they’ll have the answers you need.
Thanks again Dean, “Talk to Neslon Harding, Dave Smith or Ashley Wade about it.”
Any contact info you can provide or is this forum the best way to reach any of them?
DanYou must not be getting my emails. Or, my emails are going into your spam folder. I shared all of their emails. My email address is my first and last name (as one word) at gmail.
Hello Dan. Sorry, I’ve not logged on in a while. Still recovering from all of the fun with the Meyers group at Osh a few weeks ago. You can email me questions (ashleybryabwade@icloud.com) about the trim system or I’ll keep an eye out here for any new posts. I have an A model with the hydraulic trim. EXTREMELY effective if the system is properly bled (like a brake master cylinder) and shouldn’t leak if you’ve been converted over to straight, non ashless dispersant 100 weight oil.
That said, Dean is right, biggest culprit would be improper flap rigging. Another really easy thing that might have been overlooked is a trim tab on the aft rear of the left wing out of adjustment?
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