I thought I posted this, but I think I have just spend so much time experimenting and pondering the issue that I just imagined I had. I am working with Pat Murphy's mechanic over in Sturgis to reset all of the rigging on the 114 and its a very challenging process. The interconnect between the rudder and aileron contributes to the problem.  This mechanic, very technical and thorough, first got everything cleaned up, including the droopy right flap and the missing left aileron gap tape (thanks, Robin.) Then he set everything to factory spec.  But the funniest thing about that is that the rudder spec is 3 degrees right -- PLUS or MINUS TWO degrees!  So you can put it anywhere from 1 degree 5 degrees and still be within spec.  After he set it at 3 and I flew it, the rudder was deflected about 1 inch right (viewed from behind the plane with the nosewheel perfectly straight).  Pat Murphy, who has an original Commander that is I believe the fastest 114 ever, has his sitting the same way.  In cruise he usually has to put in just a bit of left rudder trim.

But mine set there caused me to be left wing heavy and it took about half of the left rudder trim to center the ball in cruise. (BTW, no damage history on my plane.) But once you do that, the interconnect really hauls down on the left aileron and if you let go of the yoke, in about 5 seconds you get a standard rate turn to the left! Wow.  This incredible variation in spec I think speaks to the fact that so many of these planes were hand built, for all practical purposes.

So ... we took it down to about 1 degree, and now the rudder sits only about 1/4" offset to the right, with the nose wheel straight.  It is only taking a bit of left rudder in cruise, and most of the heavy wing is gone. Behaving more like Pat's, but at a very different setting. (Yes, tanks were level!)

So, anyone who sees their plane this weekend, I would appreciate it if you would report back how much deflection you have in your rudder, again, it has to be viewed with the nosegear totally straight.

Also, in cruise, how many of you, independent of fuel and wind, typiclly crank in at least some rudder trim -- and if so, how much?

Any other speculation or experience in trying to get these ships rigged correctly is welcome. 

Scott Sedam
N4843W, '77 114
Willow Run (YIP)
SE Michigan