I was getting a little frustrated with the overall progress of the build and wanted to do something to help with my motivation. I decided that installing the rudder pedals (Control Approach upgrade) would both make me happy and was something that wouldn’t have an impact on the build process.
The rudder pedals are in my opinion a huge upgrade both visually and functionally. Dealing with Paul was very pleasant as I was not in any rush when I ordered them. I honestly was the biggest holdup as I didn’t have my master cylinders before he was ready to ship, so he ended up sending me the pedals with a set of his master cylinders and I just shipped him the ones I got from Vans in my Fuse kit when it finally arrived. Nothing but great things to say about Paul.
Setup of the pedals was SUPER easy. There are no instructions that come with them, but it’s pretty easy to figure out on your own. Connect the two sets of pedals in the center and screw in the four bolts. Only new skill I had to figure out was how to do the safety wire on the bolts. Quick refresher from YouTube and I was good to go. (Think they turned out pretty well).
The only thing that I don’t like about them at the moment is they are not compatible with the aerosport rudder trim system. Paul has said he is working on something, so fingers crossed that may become a thing.
Brian,
I just found your site and am a few weeks (month) behind you on my 10. I too have the control approach pedals and was planning on aerosport trim. I haven’t taken a hard look at it (my pedals are not installed, an still debating antenna locations and doublers/conduit before closing the floors) but did you consider middle mounting the aerosport trim in the panel with a trim arm mounted on each side of the tunnel? It would depend on your panel layout, but a cursory glance appears that it would be free it obstructions for the wire and springs. I think inside the tunnel would be too tight with all the other things that get jammed in there. If love to here your thoughts on this.
I too prefer the simple mechanism and spring dampening over the electric solution.
Keep up the great work!
Roy, thanks for the comment. I think there are a few items that prevent using the Aerosport trim control with the ControApproach Pedals. The main issue is that the tube diameter for the approach control pedals is larger than the stock pedals so the arms included in the approach control trim won’t fit. Paul at ControlApproach had indicated he was working on a fix, but I haven’t had the chance to reach back out to him yet. As for mounting in the center of the panel and maybe connecting to the rudder cable arms, that may work, but might require you to leave the center tunnel a lot more open than is ideal. I also have the Aerosport 3-10 panel with center arm rest quadrant, so that area will be covered by my panel. For now I’m just ignoring this issue and will return to it later. Hoping I may just need to use a wedge on my rudder vs having to install an adjustable trim.
If you find a solution that works, please let me know!
Hi Brian,
I am glad to have have found your site, its really helpful, I’m working on installing the cabin top currently.
I too installed the Control Approach Rudder Pedals, I have a question maybe you can answer. Installing the F-1053 cables did you end up using the links as shown on page 38-10 step 10 to connect the cables? The spade cable ends fit perfectly into the Control Approach pedals and its doesn’t appear that the 1” links are necessary.
Thanks Paul. I’m currently bogged down installing the doors and getting all the fiberglass work done. All kinds of fun let. Hopefully I get past it and can post some updates soon.
Regarding the rudder control cables, I had not installed them yet so I’m honestly not sure yet. Let me know what you find out works.