Cessna 152 Rudder trim adjustment?

He was not.
It's also been noticed by a couple of other people now.

5' 10", 155 lbs, including my brain (subtract 3 oz. when I leave that
behind!)
Instructor at 190 lbs.

Before someone bends trhe rudder trim tab - they should make sure the
coupling links to the nose wheel steering are set correctly first.

My 172M links were set up incorrectly by what I otherwise consider a
reputable shop. The Cessna service manual states specifically not to
adjust these links just to make things fly straight. It may even have
come from the factory screwed up.

The Cessna mechanic needs to pay attention to the service
manual when troubleshooting badly rigged rudders. The rudder trim tab
has limited authority, and the pilot shouldn't have to hold large
amounts of pedal even if the tabs is off some. There are three possible
defects in this system:
1. A broken right rudder bar return spring. The left spring will pull
the left pedals forward and the pilot has to constantly hold right
rudder to fight it. These springs break rather often.
2. Someone may have fooled with the cable adjustments at the rudder to
center it. Those adjustments never need changing unless the pedals
aren't lined up when the rudder is centered. The rudder centering is
controlled by the nosewheel centering cam at the nosegear torque links,
and adjustments are made by changing the length of the nosegear
steering spring rods.
3 Everything might be OK but someone has bent the rudder trim tab the
wrong way altogether. To get right trim, the tab has to bend left.

The service manual rigging procedures are a bit complex, and a lot of
mechanics just ignore them and end up misadjusting stuff. We've often
found all the control systems way out of whack, sometimes dangerously
so.

Dan

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"Brian Colwell" wrote in message
news:Hysce.1160488$Xk.425252@pd7tw3no...

"GEG" wrote in message
...
Hi Folks,

I'm a low-time (10 hour) student pilot.
I took my first flights in my school's 152 about 2 years ago, then had
an 18-month wait for various reasons.

When I first flew the plane, I don't remember the right rudder being such
an issue (I flew 3 times 2 years ago).

Now, the right rudder needs a lot of attention, almost all the time.
Even in straight and level at cruise, some right rudder needs to be in.

So, before a know-nothing student says something to the instructor, I
wanted to give a shout to you guys and see what your thoughts
might be.

I understand the 152 has more need for right rudder than other planes.
Have others had this experience?
What should I look for?
What should I say - if anything?

I know it's not "no rudder needed", maybe I'm just not a very good pilot
yet.

Thanks,

Gary

Not sure why you wouldn't talk to your instructor ...thats what he is
there

I flew C150's and C172's in the early 1970's. none of them had rudder
trim.
Is he confusing it with another A/C type. I remember the PA28's had
rudder trim.
for !!

Regards, BMC

Qansett wrote:

I flew C150's and C172's in the early 1970's. none of them had rudder
trim.

Most of the 150s and all of the 172s I've flown had a rudder trim tab. When set
properly, the planes would cruise without needing rudder input. My C-150 did not
have such a tab. It was necessary to keep a bit of right rudder pressure all the
time. I got in the habit of flying with one foot, except for landing. I had to
break that habit in a hurry when I bought my Maule.

George Patterson
Why do men's hearts beat faster, knees get weak, throats become dry,
and they think irrationally when a woman wears leather clothing?
Because she smells like a new truck.

"George Patterson" wrote in message
news:vQqte.9587$EH1.153@trndny03...
Qansett wrote:

I flew C150's and C172's in the early 1970's. none of them had rudder
trim.

Most of the 150s and all of the 172s I've flown had a rudder trim tab.
When set properly, the planes would cruise without needing rudder input.
My C-150 did not have such a tab. It was necessary to keep a bit of right
rudder pressure all the time. I got in the habit of flying with one foot,
except for landing. I had to break that habit in a hurry when I bought my
Maule.

George Patterson


I fly a C152 and with a passenger it requires no rudder, with just myself on
board it requires slight right rudder all the time.

George Patterson wrote:
Qansett wrote:


I flew C150's and C172's in the early 1970's. none of them had
rudder trim.


Most of the 150s and all of the 172s I've flown had a rudder trim tab.

All the 152's have 'em as do the later 172's. The early 172's (even
after they went to the swept tail) don't.