Citabria Citabria 7ECA Rudder Trim Tabs

Bartman

Bartman

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Just wondering of you 7ECA flyers out there, do you have a rudder trim tab installed? I don't but was wondering if it's needed, mine kinda feels like it could help.

Thanks
Bart
 
My '65 7ECA has one, and it greatly reduces the need for holding right rudder in flight and during the takeoff/climb portions of flight. It's roughly a 5-inch rounded (oval) shape that extends about 1" past the trailing edge of the rudder at the middle of the tab, but is rounded so that the top and bottom edges of the oval are basically even with the trailing edge. No clue if that is "stock" or was added later on. (Though there is no log entry for an addition, so I suspect was installed at the Champion factory.
 
Thanks Jim! I have a factory tab from another project but wasn't sure if it was necessary to have on a 115hp 7ECA. I'll ask the local shop about popping it into place sometime soon.

Appreciate the reply :)
 
Keep in mind that my plane has the almighty 100 HP O-200, so your puny O-235 might not need it as badly... (eye-roll) But in all seriousness it does help a lot. Amazing how even a little engine generates enough torque / p-factor to wear out a grown man's right leg...
 
that's what i was wondering about, how much it's needed for our smaller engines. i was thinking I'm jut not yaw-aware enough since the plane sat for two years and I didn't do much GA flying but if you guys say it helps then I'll put one on and see.

thanks, big help, appreciate it
 
I would have bet money my plane did NOT have a fixed tab on the rudder but I just looked at some pics.
IMG_20200523_120935-01.webp
Surprised I don't hit my face on it preflighting the tail wheel.
My plane requires right rudder in climb and left rudder on descents.
'65 7ECA with 150hp
 
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