A Relief Gear for the Pilot: A Device for Reducing the Load on the Controls by Permanently Off‐setting the Rudder

Abstract

THE Westland Rudder Bias Gear gives a very definite reduction in the demands on a pilot flying multi‐engined aircraft, should one engine cease to operate. Instead of having considerable difficulty and fatigue in controlling the aeroplane (owing to the necessity of applying pressure to one end of the rudder bar or one of the steering pedals, in order to fly straight), he has only, in order to correct, to apply the lightest of hand loads momentarily to a small crank on the top of the bias gear. Thereafter this automatically applies the necessary force to overcome the turning moment of the working outboard engine by turning the rudder to a new normal position. The gear is unique, as it then leaves the rudder bar to be worked as freely and easily as if all engines were functioning, and gives equal pressures to the feet, whether applying right or left rudder.

Citation

(1931), "A Relief Gear for the Pilot: A Device for Reducing the Load on the Controls by Permanently Off‐setting the Rudder", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 3 No. 12, pp. 313-314. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb029485