As some of you may remember, I redesigned the mid-span pivot for the elevators on my Q-2, essentially retaining none of the original design, excepting the BL position of the pivot on the span of the elevator. I was motivated to do this re design based on a fatal accident caused by the failure of a midspan pivot pin on the original design. NTSB determined that the pivot pin failed as a result of corrosion and metal fatigue.

 

I wrote up my re design document at the time and posted it on the Yahoo group and labelled it as untested and unproven. I now have almost 200 flight hours on this design and it retains its original smooth operation, shows no wear and has demonstrated the design intent of superior strength, low friction, and zero corrosion. In addition, I can visually inspect all critical components of this pivot  in a few seconds during a preflight. 

 

So I am pleased to report that this re design is now a tested modification. I am reposting my design document for anyone who is interested.

 

Cheers,

Jay Scheevel  Tri-Q2 N8WQ 200 hours