Elevator gap seals?

C

CptKelly

GONE WEST

NC

• Feb 2, 2008

• #1

A friend of mine recently told me that the best way to improve elevator authority at low speeds was to seal the gap between the horizontal stabilizer, and the elevator. He went on to say that most guys use some sort of tape to do this.
Where can I get some of this tape for my Smith Kit, and how to you apply it?

Thanks,

Mike

 

d.grimm

Registered User

toledo, oh

• Feb 2, 2008

• #2

Good Luck, gap seals didn't do anything for a Pacer. VG's did.

 

behindpropellers

Registered User

NE Ohio

• Feb 2, 2008

• #3

Actually the best way to fix a smith cub is weld the tail back on in the right spot.

 

gbflyer

Registered User

PAGS

• Feb 2, 2008

• #4

I've heard tell of using some wide, clear packing tape with plenty of slack in it so the elevator still has full travel. Might not be the smartest way to test it, but It works. About the only noticeable difference was that moderate turbulence tried to yank the stick out of the grasp of the pilot in this particular aircraft. Might be different in others.

I'm going for VG's on the tail as well.


gb

 

Snert

FRIEND

Raleigh, NC

• Feb 2, 2008

• #5

Clear book binding tape works better than packing tape.

 

hottshot

Registered User

Joseph ,Or

• Feb 2, 2008

• #6

No offence but use the right stuff it will cost you a woppin $65.00 and it will be done rite

 

gbflyer

Registered User

PAGS

• Feb 2, 2008

• #7

hottshot said:

No offence but use the right stuff it will cost you a woppin $65.00 and it will be done rite

Click to expand...

I agree totally and wholeheartedly. I'm not sure which of the Piper fleet can legally carry that little mod., though.

gb

 

Steve Pierce

BENEFACTOR

Graham, TX

• Feb 2, 2008

• #8

behindpropellers said:

Actually the best way to fix a smith cub is weld the tail back on in the right spot.

Click to expand...

I hear there is another way. Got it on my desk.

Wup, Are you talking about the gap seals from Maule?

 

hottshot

Registered User

Joseph ,Or

• Feb 4, 2008

• #9

Yes Steve, they work well..... You got somethin new??

 

L

Longwinglover

Registered User

Charlotte, NC

• Feb 4, 2008

• #10

Aren't the hinges on Maule's strap hinges like on the Aviat products? There are foam gap seals for the Pitts, but the gap between the horizontal and the elevator is narrower than on a Cub.

John Scott

 

hottshot

Registered User

Joseph ,Or

• Feb 4, 2008

• #11

Longwinglover said:

Aren't the hinges on Maule's strap hinges like on the Aviat products? There are foam gap seals for the Pitts, but the gap between the horizontal and the elevator is narrower than on a Cub.

John Scott

Click to expand...

Not sure .... "Strap hinges" .....

 

L

Longwinglover

Registered User

Charlotte, NC

• Feb 4, 2008

• #12

Wup,

I sense that I have left you confused over "strap hinges". I've spent 30 min. searching the net for a picture. Couldn't find one!

Essentially the Cub "pin" style hinges force the surfaces apart the width of the hinge "tube". The "strap" hinge on the Pitts et al is a design that allows the surfaces to be much closer together at the hinge line. A picture would be worth 1000 words!

I did find this link for gap seals, but they won't work on "pin" style hinges.
http://members.aol.com/danrihn/gapseal.htm

John Scott

 

hottshot

Registered User

Joseph ,Or

• Feb 4, 2008

• #13

Maule has the Pin style like the Cub.... I think I know of what you speek...