Top Hinging Ailerons and Elevators

[D Suding]

But if you can keep them from popping up like spoilers, it should be fine,
right? I really like this idea.

-D

> Probably the biggest reason for top (or near top) hinging anything is
> weight  savings when using very large ailerons on relatively thick wings
> as may be  the case with AA 3D designs.
>
> If 45 degrees of travel is desired, and even if both the aileron and
> wing are  beveled, a quite thick balsa edge is needed to do it
> conventionally. With top  hinging the foam can be cut to the bevel and
> sheeted with 1/16, having only  some 1/4" insets for the hinges. Saves a
> bunch of weight.
>
> As for the gap, on my Widebody 60 with top hinging and very wide bevel
> on the  bottom (actual gaps sealed) there was no deleterious effect. I
> did tape  (front edge only) some 1/64 ply "covers" over the bevel
> opening and saw no  change in upright flight. Nearly crashed in inverted
> flight as the covers  stood up like spoilers in the now lower pressure
> area (top).
>
> Earl



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