RE: Is it really necessary to pin nylon or CA hinges?
I too have been flying for 35 years. I have pinned and i have not. If i build from scratch, build a kit or recover a plane i will pin the hinges. very simple and easy.
cover the trailing edge of wing, stab or horizontal.
cover the leading edge of Aileron, elevator, rudder.
slot the hinge area's
install hinge with correct glue
take a small drill bit I use 1/16th drill a hole thru trailing edge and hinge. ( make sure into the hinge itself)
put small dab of wood glue in hole
cut tooth pick in half
push into hinge hole
repeat for all hinges (or atleast do the outer edges and one in middle)
install control surfaces and do the same
the next day snip off the ends carefully use dremmel and sand flush
now cover the wing, stab, and the rudder.
if would like can go ahead and seal the surface too
All of this will only add about two hours to the build but you can rest easy knowing you will have a less chance of a surface coming off.
No matter if pinned or not one test i do is to rest the plane on the nose if not going to crush it. now pick up the plane by the ailerons, then the elevator and then by the rudder. if they dont pull out then strong engough.