ORIGINAL: MajorTomski

Fantasic detailed explanation of how to get working flaps. LOOKS GREAT too. Ironically your use of plywood to fill the gaps matche the use of fiberglass/plastic to fill the gaps and act as rub strips on some 1:1 installations.

As for operation; on the DC-3 at least they are full open on the ground from start up through the take off roll. Once in the air and at cruise they are moved to ''closed'' or ''float'' where airloads through the engine dictate how fare open (not much) they are.

They are closed till AFTER landing to help cool the engine on the ground.

Your plan to link to the flaps is close but not completely accurate in most conditions.