Hinge Gaps Sealed?
 

Could someone please explain what it means to seal your hinge gaps? Not quite sure. Thanks fellas.

Hinge Gaps Sealed?
 

Sealing the hinge gap means using a strip of Monocote or Ultracote ironed on the bottom side of the gap so air can't slip thru while in flight. Some people use clear packing tape but I prefer to use covering.

Hinge Gaps Sealed?
 

I was instructed to do this today by my instructor. We had a problem with fluttering of the ailerons and he suggested I use packing tape. Since I have a ton of ultracote left, I will probably use that.

He told me to extend the aileron up all the way, hold it there, apply the tape then when it goes back to neutral, the slack should go in between. Is this the correct/best known method?

Hinge Gaps Sealed?
 

That's what I was wondering too. If I use ultrakote/monokote, then should I use the same method and just use the sealing iron to make it adhere the best I can? Thanks fellas.

Hinge Gaps Sealed?
 

That way works fine.

Hinge Gaps Sealed?
 

Guys, fold the mono/ultra-cote back on itself to form a crease. Clean the slot between the wing and the aileron with alcohol. Place the folded over mono/utra-cote in the slot and iron on. I use one of the thin SS rulers to hold the mono/ultra-cote down in the slot as I iron it on. I then take a long razor knife and trim the leftover covering flush. I have gotten in the habit now of sealing both sides to keep the crap out. While you are at it why not do the rudder and elevator. You might also want to do a search on here for something like sealing hinge gaps. Lots of good info already written.
Hope this helps
Ed M.

Hinge Gaps Sealed?
 

This should help...

Hinge Gaps Sealed?
 

It's a good idea on any plane, but especially on aerobatic types with huge control surfaces. If you are flying a .40 size trainer with a plain bearing (not ball bearing) .40 engine then you are fine without sealing. Any more power then I would seal. I purchased a huge roll of clear Ultracote to do side windows on an Aeronca Champ model. That roll of clear is only half gone after 10 plus years of gap sealing and other repairs.

Hinge Gaps Sealed?
 

I attempted this for the first time on my Tiger 2's rudder and it turned out great. Much cleaner lines. Next time I will do the whole plane with seal hinge gaps.

Scotch Tape
 

While a trainer isn't going to go as fast as a pattern plane, it probably will have "less precise" aileron attachments, and probably should be sealed.

My LT-40 had some pretty wide gaps and had a really bad flutter problem until the guy at the field told me to seal the gaps with wide scotch tape.

Its still holding on, though I'll probably pull it off and re do it the next time I go fly.