Gap Seals

[Tim]

I installed a gap seal on my elevator and it made a big difference in speed and the way the plane feels at slow speed. I saw a supercub the other day with all the AK. mods and he had aileron gap seals. I didn't talk to him so I don't know how much difference they make. Do any of you guys have them, and if so what kind of difference do they make?

Tim

[T.J.]

delete

[Dave Calkins]

DON'T.

I never see 'em anymore.

I've been corresponding with Jerry Burr. I can't speak for him, but I believe he thinks the common type of ail. and flap gap seals are NOT a good thing.

He sent me several video clips of tuft testing and you can see the results of the ail. gap seals are disastrous, aerodynamic-wise.

Listen also to what TJ advised.

Dave Calkins.

[PA12driver]

I used to see them on the Elevators, not much anymore, again I spoke to Jerry Burr and he advised not to either?

The maules use them on the elevator/ stabilizer? On my 12 I am looking for more tail surface at slow speed/ high angle of attack? I may make a temp set out of tape and try them, I will let you all know what they do for me?

Tim

[supercub]

I have a friend that put them on his PA-11 a few years ago.............if I remember correctly............one flight was enought with the aileron gaps on..........he landed and took them off.........he left the elevator and rudder on............but didn't really see much different.............the FAA doing a ramp check one day, happened to spot them and asked him about them........and after advising the FAA that he had no paper work for them.....they advised him to remove them........which he did..........no action was taken by the FAA......actually the inspector was very nice......anyway........he never really felt they did much good...........but I do remember him not liking them on the ailerons. Brian

[T.J.]

delete

[Dave Calkins]

Obviously TJ repeats himself.

TJ did you notice that on the little post counter, you didn't get credit for the second try?

Nobody likes a cheater.

But I definitely get your point on the value of ail. gap seals.

Dave Calkins.

[Cubus Maximus]

Crash has been trying desperately as of late to get all his jets filled out but just can't seem to get that last one colored (it's maddeningly out of reach). At least he's not cheating :D

[Jerry Burr]

Hi Guys. I have only a couple of comments on seals. On stock wings the original Piper flap seal is just about as good as you will get. No comment on ailerons. On the elevators the seal will give you feedback when in heavy turbulence. Hit a real good bump and it will take the stick right out of your hand. Take Care. Jerry.

[Tim]

Thanks men, for all the input. I don't have a jack screw on the horizontal stabilizer, I have a trim tab on the elevator. Before I put the gap seal back there I could trim back to 58 and with the gap seal I can trim to 48. My trim tab is a little small, but I like it like that. If a deer runs out in front of me on landing I can give it all the gas and it won't go straight up like a Maule trimed all the back.

Tim

[PA12driver]

GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU JERRY! your experience is good enough for me Jerry! I like the idea of being able to hold on to the stick in turbulence!

Not enough gain for the potential pain!

Tim

[Dave Calkins]

I'm almost certain that I saw a dirty word in Florida Tim's last post.

I'm all for cleaning-up the internet, so I'll not rewrite the word that I thought he put into the last sentence.

The word ain't "If", and it's the only other one typed with an upper case letter.

Dave Calkins.

[cubscull]

has anyone extended the original flap gap seal all the way out past the aileron? whats the benefit?

[Longwinglover]

uuuhhh... wouldn't that be the same as having aileron gap seals that everybody on this thread said not to??

John Scott

[WhiskeyMike]

PA-12's have a different type of aileron than PA-18. Doesn't the air NEED to flow around the aileron? I suspect Jeryy Burr can answer this. Frieze type ailerons?

Thanks

[RedEye]

What are the pro's & con's of the flap gap seals ?? I am currently running without them, got brand new ones, just haven't put 'em on yet !! I've seen a few Cubs around without, but most have them. Feedback will be much appreciated, thanks !! :-?