Flap Gap Seals
- Thread starter C-YQK
- Start date
1953supercub
Registered User
Meadville, PA
Hi Gary,
My plane (53 150hp) didn't have them on it when I bought it. I didn't know enough to know they were suppose to be there until I read the thread David mentioned. Pre-purchase expert supercub mechanic didn't know either, but that's another story. I just knew I didn't like the flaps at slow speeds and always slipped instead. After reading the thread I installed them. It made a big difference the feel at slow speeds with full flaps.
Tim
My plane (53 150hp) didn't have them on it when I bought it. I didn't know enough to know they were suppose to be there until I read the thread David mentioned. Pre-purchase expert supercub mechanic didn't know either, but that's another story. I just knew I didn't like the flaps at slow speeds and always slipped instead. After reading the thread I installed them. It made a big difference the feel at slow speeds with full flaps.
Tim
Speedo
FOUNDER
TN
Merrill Field. Birchwood. If you're going up for the Airman's show you'll see lots of examples.
I can't remember any examples in NC, but you might try calling John Cansler at Twin Lakes (8A7): he and Bill Kyle seem to know where a lot of the Cubs are based in NC, and may know of one with flap gap seals.
I can't remember any examples in NC, but you might try calling John Cansler at Twin Lakes (8A7): he and Bill Kyle seem to know where a lot of the Cubs are based in NC, and may know of one with flap gap seals.
1953supercub
Registered User
Meadville, PA
I got mine from Univar.
Tim
Tim
Paul Heinrich
PARTNER
Illinois & Wisconsin
flap gap seals
can you cover over the seals?
can you cover over the seals?
Bob Breeden
Registered User
Alaska
Gap seals
Though this is a Super Cub thread, on a C-180-185, aftermarket flap gap seals, are sold for those that want Bonanza cruise speeds. This starves the slot in the Fowler flaps, ruining an otherwise very light and pleasant feel with flaps down. Without total finesse, near stall the whole plane will drop in like a sack of bricks. Don't ever let anyone talk you into flap gap seals on a Cessna taildragger.
Bob Breeden
www.AlaskaAirpark.com
Though this is a Super Cub thread, on a C-180-185, aftermarket flap gap seals, are sold for those that want Bonanza cruise speeds. This starves the slot in the Fowler flaps, ruining an otherwise very light and pleasant feel with flaps down. Without total finesse, near stall the whole plane will drop in like a sack of bricks. Don't ever let anyone talk you into flap gap seals on a Cessna taildragger.
Bob Breeden
www.AlaskaAirpark.com
Bob Breeden
Registered User
Alaska
ag-pilot,
I removed them from a 1976 C-185 several years after purchase. It had a turbotech turbocharger, autopilot and a big stack of radios, and thus was much heavier than my current '53 C-180.
By starving the throat from the BOTTOM (unlike the Cub flap seal) no air could flow up to keep the higher angle of attack flap from stalling - which it did at on tail low wheel landings, especially in rough air. Without the aftermarket gap seals, the 185 could then be landed a few knots slower, and with much more gracious arrival. I left the flap gap seals off until I sold the plane.
I suppose in an ag condition, with plenty of runway, and flying it on 5 knots faster, you wouldn't have the flap stalling, and the faster cruise would be beneficial.
That throat that opens between the wing and Fowler flap is there for a purpose on a Cessna wing. The Super Cub flap is a simple flap. Just my observation - your mileage may vary.
Bob Breeden
www.AlaskaAirpark.com
I removed them from a 1976 C-185 several years after purchase. It had a turbotech turbocharger, autopilot and a big stack of radios, and thus was much heavier than my current '53 C-180.
By starving the throat from the BOTTOM (unlike the Cub flap seal) no air could flow up to keep the higher angle of attack flap from stalling - which it did at on tail low wheel landings, especially in rough air. Without the aftermarket gap seals, the 185 could then be landed a few knots slower, and with much more gracious arrival. I left the flap gap seals off until I sold the plane.
I suppose in an ag condition, with plenty of runway, and flying it on 5 knots faster, you wouldn't have the flap stalling, and the faster cruise would be beneficial.
That throat that opens between the wing and Fowler flap is there for a purpose on a Cessna wing. The Super Cub flap is a simple flap. Just my observation - your mileage may vary.
Bob Breeden
www.AlaskaAirpark.com
Jerry Burr
MEMBER
Sedro Woolley, Washington.
Seals
Hi Capt Kelly. Yes they do work on the ails. Need a bigger slot. On the order of 3/8".
Hi Bob. I can't speak to your Cessna. But the 90deg bottom false spar in the aileron area on the Cub ( 3 - 11 - 18 )flows more air through the slot than the sweep (S) in the flap area. That flow is what tends to kill the Cub ailerons when flying at high AOA. Hang some tufts in front of the slots, you'll be amazed. Jerry B.
Hi Capt Kelly. Yes they do work on the ails. Need a bigger slot. On the order of 3/8".
Hi Bob. I can't speak to your Cessna. But the 90deg bottom false spar in the aileron area on the Cub ( 3 - 11 - 18 )flows more air through the slot than the sweep (S) in the flap area. That flow is what tends to kill the Cub ailerons when flying at high AOA. Hang some tufts in front of the slots, you'll be amazed. Jerry B.
Bob Breeden
Registered User
Alaska
Jerry,
Yup, I fully agree regarding the benefit of gap seals on the hinged flaps and control surfaces on the Super Cub.
Bob Breeden
Yup, I fully agree regarding the benefit of gap seals on the hinged flaps and control surfaces on the Super Cub.
Bob Breeden
cub_driver
Registered User
Big Lake AK
Cptkelly
I had flap gap and aileron gap seals on my plane before I rebuilt the wings. I did reinstall the flap seals and put the aileron seals in the basement. I don't believe there was a noticeable increase of control with the aileron gap seals. I will admit the original wings were rigged poorly and I am sure that affected performance.
A few years ago I added VGs to my wings. If you want aileron control at slow speeds you should consider VGs.
Cub_Driver
I had flap gap and aileron gap seals on my plane before I rebuilt the wings. I did reinstall the flap seals and put the aileron seals in the basement. I don't believe there was a noticeable increase of control with the aileron gap seals. I will admit the original wings were rigged poorly and I am sure that affected performance.
A few years ago I added VGs to my wings. If you want aileron control at slow speeds you should consider VGs.
Cub_Driver
