cubdriver2
FRIEND
upstate NY
Looking for thread we had a couple weeks ago on gap seal tape
Glenn
Glenn
Was there any speed change? With a fixed stabilizer and a trim tab on the elevator, the two surfaces are not always perfectly aligned. Therefore there could be some tendency for air flow along the hinge line creating a minimal amount of drag. Don't know if it is measurable, particularly on slow airplanes.I found some neutral colored foam weather stripping that perfectly seals the gap between my horizontal stab and my elevator on the RANS, and gained 3 MPH top speed and knocked off 2 MPH off the stall! No, not really, but it makes me feel better knowing it's back there and it doesn't add any weight, and I had it leftover from sealing up my doors.
Was there any speed change? With a fixed stabilizer and a trim tab on the elevator, the two surfaces are not always perfectly aligned. Therefore there could be some tendency for air flow along the hinge line creating a minimal amount of drag. Don't know if it is measurable, particularly on slow airplanes.
Any link for a kit for pa-12 with -18 feathers?
Like this. When the surface moves it will remain the same tautness. The way you show it, it will be tight when the surface moves one direction and loose when it moves the other direction. There was a bulletin to do this on the Bellanca years ago.
View attachment 61587.
Just curious, what don't you like about it?I don't think I like it?
Glenn
Like this. When the surface moves it will remain the same tautness. The way you show it, it will be tight when the surface moves one direction and loose when it moves the other direction. There was a bulletin to do this on the Bellanca years ago.
View attachment 61587.
Maule Aircraft does it this way at the factory .
Transmitted from my FlightPhone on fingers… [emoji849]
That means it works.Stick was heavier at same speed
Glenn
The real answer is Who cares? The airplane has adequate control function in order to pass all the required FAA (or in the case of these planes CAA) tests. The desire to close the gaps is only a personal pilot owner thing. Sure they do something, but they aren't necessary to satisfy the FAA. Perhaps their installation is only to cover up some poor piloting techniques?What's the real question is why the designers of tail surface gaps left them so large? Surely the obvious leakage of air through them didn't escape their observation?
Gary
What do we know about this stuff?
https://store.cubcrafters.com/Foam-Gap-Seal-Kit-with-STC-for-Top-Cub-and-PA-18_p_1298.html
The real answer is Who cares? The airplane has adequate control function in order to pass all the required FAA (or in the case of these planes CAA) tests. The desire to close the gaps is only a personal pilot owner thing. Sure they do something, but they aren't necessary to satisfy the FAA. Perhaps their installation is only to cover up some poor piloting techniques?
What's the real question is why the designers of tail surface gaps left them so large?
Gary
A manufacturer can chose for whatever reason to close or leave open the gaps. The only question they need to answer is "Will it pass the FAA flight tests?" There could be any number of reasons to close or leave open the gaps. Some reasons you may not even think of.Bellanca cared enough to close the gaps on their 7GCBC and 8KCAB. Likely others that are promoted for aerobatics but I've not checked. Brisk empennage control authority is desirable by some while exercising proper piloting technique. Then there's the aileron gap seals that promote STOL and roll rate on Cessna's and again Bellancas.
Gary