601XL Cable Tension Requirements

I can certainly understand the need to maintain the proper/specified cable tensions in the various control systems to reduce the possibility of flutter. The only spec. requirement that bothers me is for the Rudder Cable system. I own and fly a tail dragger version of the XL and there really isn't much of a way to control this cable system tension. The right and left pedals are independently connected directly to the rudder and are not interconnected. Tension can vary from very light in normal flight (or zero when the autopilot is engaged and no feet are on the rudder pedals) to relatively high depending on how much braking action is used or how exciting/tense your landing may turn out to be. (It's a tail dragger remember.)

Jim Timm
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    Sam Birchill

    I think the factory needs to come up with a fix for this problem. A balance system needs to be addressed by Zenith. I am sure they are reluctant to do this because of liability potential and the appearance that the design is not sound the way it is, but two solutions to a problem is always better. I have tried to make as many things redundant in my plane as possible, so why shouldn't we have both the tension and a balance design.

    Sam Birchill
    Tail Dragger also
    1
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      Mark Ertz

      European/Zenair AD addresses Aileron tension because of flutter in the wing. To my knowledge there is no issue with the rudder in flutter.
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        Phill Barnes

        Hi Jim
        Drawing as promised.

        Regards
        Phill