Pietenpol-List: Gap Seals
Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2001 12:03 pm
Original Posted By: "Carl Loar"
Hello,Says guys, I know this subject has been brought up beforebut I was wondering if there was any new thought or ideason wing gap seals.I have a Grega and understand the gap between the aileronsand the wing's trailing edge is wider than on a plans built Piet.I have a friend who is a member of a soaring club and saysthey use various types of tape and mylar for the gliders.Usually it is used on the day they fly. When finished, it istaken off and discarded until. They next time they fly they use fresh tape to cover the slight gaps.I called Knauff & Grove Soaring Supplies and talked to manthere. He says he gets these kinds of calls all the time. He saidhe would not use tape as it might come loose and create a spoilerand/or jam into the gaps. He said they tape may not stick well tothe paint of the fabric for a long period of time and when it comesloose, it would take paint off the aircraft.He recommended getting strong parachute material and gluing iton.So I don't know which way to go. I would like to get betteraileron roll response and feel covering the gaps would enhancebetter performance.Any suggestions, drawings and ideas are welcome.Thanks again guys.Mike KingGN-177MKDallas, Texas214 905-9299________________________________________________________________________________
Hello,Says guys, I know this subject has been brought up beforebut I was wondering if there was any new thought or ideason wing gap seals.I have a Grega and understand the gap between the aileronsand the wing's trailing edge is wider than on a plans built Piet.I have a friend who is a member of a soaring club and saysthey use various types of tape and mylar for the gliders.Usually it is used on the day they fly. When finished, it istaken off and discarded until. They next time they fly they use fresh tape to cover the slight gaps.I called Knauff & Grove Soaring Supplies and talked to manthere. He says he gets these kinds of calls all the time. He saidhe would not use tape as it might come loose and create a spoilerand/or jam into the gaps. He said they tape may not stick well tothe paint of the fabric for a long period of time and when it comesloose, it would take paint off the aircraft.He recommended getting strong parachute material and gluing iton.So I don't know which way to go. I would like to get betteraileron roll response and feel covering the gaps would enhancebetter performance.Any suggestions, drawings and ideas are welcome.Thanks again guys.Mike KingGN-177MKDallas, Texas214 905-9299________________________________________________________________________________