UH and JJ,

Thank you both for your responses.

There are two adjustments we have found: one is in the baggage compartment, and one is in the wing (accessible with the bottom spoiler removed).

The adjustment in the baggage compartment seems to be a "fine-tuning" of sorts--a way to calibrate the spoiler handle's position with the position of the pushrod. The adjustment in the wing seems to adjust the breakaway tension required to make the airbrake go over center. We have adjusted the breakaway tensions to be about equal--the brakes "pop" over-center within 5 pounds of tension of each other. This was the best we could do.

We tried lengthening the in-wing adjustment on the left (hanging out) side, and it didn't seem to change the timing of when the airbrake went over center; only the tension required. Is there another adjustment that we are missing? Or are we using what we have incorrectly.

We have checked for bent pushrods and the like... Apparently, this is a known issue on the -15. I'm almost sorry we opened the can of worms to begin with.

Thanks for your insight. Old gliders are cool--when they work.

Phil

On Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 7:38:58 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 8:46:52 PM UTC-4, Phil Chidekel wrote:
Anyone have any experience tackling asymmetric dive-brakes on an ASW-15? The left side sticks up about 30mm more than the right side, and a mechanic and I spent the day fiddling with the adjustments (to no avail). We wrote Schleicher for the drawings, but does anyone have any insight?

Thanks.

Phil Chidekel

I have used the following process with good results:
1- With wings off, check that airbrakes close and lock correctly. When they go over center you will hear and feel a bit of a snap.
2- check for any binds or signs of interference that affect smooth operation. Also look for bad bearings or bent push rods.
3- Inspect the mechanism in the fuselage to verify that the two operating bell cranks for the brakes appear to be moving the same. Also verify that the mountings for these cranks are secure.
4- Assemble the glider.
5- Connect one airbrake push rod and lock brakes. Mark the position of the handle in the cockpit when it goes over center in the wing.
6- Disconnect first wing and repeat for second wing. This should give an indication which push rod needs adjusting. Lengthening make locking sooner. Depending upon handle position, shortening the rod on the brake that closes sooner may be the right action.
7 From recollection I believe both are supposed to lock within about 5mm.
Good hunting
UH