Taping gaps on ailerons
#1
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From: Davis, CA
I heard I can tape over the gaps on my ailerons (between the wing and the flap itself?) to help with tighter rolls, loops etc (as well as increasing the throws).
What sort of tape should I use? Is there some special tape or will regular packing tape do the job?
What sort of tape should I use? Is there some special tape or will regular packing tape do the job?
#2
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From: lil hicktown,
SD
regular packing tape will do the trick..... im not sure if there are any special ways to do this but i have done it to one plane. if you are puting it on the top then move the surface all the way down, this way it wont get too tight.. thats how i did mine but other then that i dont know how everyone else does it.
good luck
good luck
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From: gone,
We typically put the tape on the bottom.... I think more from an appearance reason than anything else. (can't see the tape when the plane is sitting on the ground unless you are looking for it.)
Deflect the surface fully away from the side you are puttng the tape on
stretch the tape out and adhere it to the fixed surface.
Carefully tuck it into the hinge line and smooth it all down.
Some tapes you can apply windex to the covering to allow the tape to slide... then "squeegee" the windex out fom under the tape. This helps you to not have to fight wrinkles in the tape.
You can also use Monokote or other iron-on covering to do the same thing.... technique is similar, just add the heat at the correct places at the correct times.
Sealing the gap can improve aileron precision near center and can help prevent the cntrol surfaces from fluttering. The tape also can act as a sort of back-up to the hinges... and hide a failed hinge. Inspect the hinges carefully on a regular basis.
Deflect the surface fully away from the side you are puttng the tape on
stretch the tape out and adhere it to the fixed surface.
Carefully tuck it into the hinge line and smooth it all down.
Some tapes you can apply windex to the covering to allow the tape to slide... then "squeegee" the windex out fom under the tape. This helps you to not have to fight wrinkles in the tape.

You can also use Monokote or other iron-on covering to do the same thing.... technique is similar, just add the heat at the correct places at the correct times.
Sealing the gap can improve aileron precision near center and can help prevent the cntrol surfaces from fluttering. The tape also can act as a sort of back-up to the hinges... and hide a failed hinge. Inspect the hinges carefully on a regular basis.




