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Old 8th Oct 2011, 01:55
  #307 (permalink)  
Machinbird
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
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Lyman, fair question, I'll attempt to answer.
Who would allow asymmetrical Tab stress? Who will disallow it?
There are many examples of light aircraft with asymmetrical trim tabs. The concept in itself is not the problem. The application of the concept to an experimental aircraft such as GG would be an issue if complete engineering and testing was not done before adopting that design.
My understanding of the regulations affecting experimental aircraft is as follows:
(Feel free to shoot me down if I'm wrong." )

As a US based experimental aircraft, construction merely needs to be performed in a workmanlike manner and to survive a certain amount of flight time before being permitted to be flown out of the designated test area. The regulations recognize that experimental aircraft may experience unexpected events and kill the 'test' pilot. The idea is to minimize the potential for for injury to others if the worst happens.

The problem with experimental aircraft is that the test program may not evaluate the full potential aircraft envelope. In the case of air racing, it is entirely possible to be exploring new ground during a race.
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