Autopilot Servos

John's RV-10 Building Site

Autopilot Servos

Installing the Trio Autopilot Aileron Servo

The first time I've had to do a real custom design. The Trio folks had some sample photos from an RV-6 install, but no suggestions for the RV-10. I looked at what the guys installing Tru-Traks were doing and took a page from their book. I decided I wanted a removable mount and that I would not touch the main wing spar. I came up with a 0.063 2026 T3 plate (1/16") bolted to the aileron bellcrank mounts. To keep it off the spar, I mounted the other end onto the outboard rib with screws and locknuts.

The servo with my initial cut for the mount

Preparing to bend the mount in my 30" metal brake from Northern Tools

Checking for fit. I need enough clearance underneath for nutplates.

The servo will be screwed to the mount

The push rod needs to be cut to right length, so I used a tongue depressor to get a length

The completed mount. Notice the "joggles" I put on the ears to raise it.

Nutplates attached and mount is primed

Completed. Every screw/bolt has locktite. Bolts went from -5 to -6 with an extra washer for height

The Elevator pitch trim Servo took almost a week to install. It was a lot harder than expected. I had to manufacture a mounting plate that would not flex and the servo could not get too close to the bellcrank or it's pushrod would interfere with the aft elevator push tube. Lots of adjustments and fiddling.

The Elevator trim servo finally installed.

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