Yaw Stability

[Micro Mong Bldr]

I've heard a lot about Model 1 and 2 neutral yaw stability and the rudder on my model 2 does seem strange compared to Cub, Taylorcraft, etc. Are there any mods to make it handle like a model 3? Just thinking, maybe it's more trouble than it's worth.
Cheers,
L

[Av8r3400]

The I and II are not UNSTABLE in yaw. I believe the term was Yaw-Neutral. This means you need to be actively inputing control into the rudder to keep in coordination. I don't believe the rudder and vertical fin were appreciably changed until the IV-1200 was produced.

Compared to a Cessna or a Cub, this just means you really need to learn to use your feet at all times.

You can enlarge your rudder and fin if you want, but I know of no easy way to do it without welding in tubing and recovering.

[SkySteve]

Here's my model I, adding 10" height to the vertical to match the added model IV rudder, along with a few other mods.

[War Eagle]

Whoa! You are in fact deeply engaged in some modifications to your bird. With those new tail feathers you could add a 914 upfront and have a rocketship on your hands. Good luck with your project and hope you get back in the air soon.

[SkySteve]

War Eagle,
These mods were made to my model I a few years back. I made the mods to the tail feathers to change the yaw issues. The mods corrected it and made the plane a joy to fly. I was just throwing the photo out there to show that the yaw factor of the early models can be addressed. But you are right, at the time, I did make several major modifications.

[DesertFox4]

As you can see from Steve's photo it is an extensive modification but certainly doable. Steve did an outstanding job and I can testify first hand that it flies as good as it looks.

[Paul Z]

There is a Kitfoxer here in Dallas that did the same mod.

[Av8r3400]

I'm doing both my horizontal and vertical tail:

[DesertFox4]

Looks great Larry. Love the shape and counter balanced controls.

[SkySteve]

Larry,
Looks really nice! I've wondered, what different effect does the rudder have with the top over the vertical stabilizer? Same question regarding the horizontal stabilizer and elevator?