360 small vs big tail

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From: Lynda Frantzby way of Marvin Kaye <marvkaye [at] olsusa.com> <LFrantz [at] compuserve.com>
Subject: 360 small vs big tail
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 17:01:49 -0500
To: <lancair.list [at] olsusa.com>

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BS apparently continues to follow the small tail.  We have run numerious

articles in the LNN about this issue.  Here is my humble opinion restated

for those interested.



If there ever was any problem with the small tail it was due to either too

much friction in the elevator control system, a curved elevator hinge line

which results in friction, failure to shorten the elevator bell crank (see

SDR's and SB) or falure to switch to the geared trim system (see SDR's).

All of these problems would fall into the category of builder error.  If

you build the small tail intelligently you will have no problems.



There are pro and cons to both tails however.  The small tail is faster by

a few knots, it's lighter, all the aero guys agree that it will not flutter

at any speed, and it provides less longitudinal stability.  The MarkII tail

(big) is heavier, is slower by a few knots, provides increased longitudinal

stability and according to one aero guy requires a stiffer epenage to

prevent flutter.



I have flown both tails and can't detect any difference.  Of course, both

installations I flew  were properly done and my mission is cross country

cruising not aerobatics.



Jim Frantz