How many times have we been told...

[Ty Marcucci]

Seal the gap between the flaps/elevators and the wing/stab? 

Well I usually do it by using hinges, Z type, the entire length of the flap and elevators. But on my 585 Stiletto, I used standard hinges. It was not all that stable in level flight,  it did the usual slight but noticeable hunting. The maneuvers seemed too big as well.

Did all  the usual trim tricks, line rake, line length, handle, etc. Still not quite happy. Then I realized the control gap was the problem. Sealed the gap with tape, flew two great flights yesterday.



Oh, yes. SEAL the gaps. You will NOT be sorry.

[Mike Griffin]

You are right Ty.  Eric Rule told me a long time ago that he used ribbon to hinge the flaps and elevators for the entire length.  I have been doing it and it works great.

Mike

[FLOYD CARTER]

Still looking for the best hinge tape.  I've used Moore's tape, Scotch "magic", and who knows what else.  All are too stiff, making the controls stiff, or else they peel off after a few flights.

Floyd

[peabody]

I found some good stuff.......1", at an art supply store.......book binding stuff, I believe

[MarcusCordeiro]

Ty

Going a little off-topic, what prop are you using?
Thanks

Marcus

[Garf]

Back on topic, check this:

[Brett Buck]

Still looking for the best hinge tape.  I've used Moore's tape, Scotch "magic", and who knows what else.  All are too stiff, making the controls stiff, or else they peel off after a few flights.

   If it makes the controls stiff, or it separates, you are doing it wrong. Done properly ALL of them have absolutely undetectable effect on the control movement and at least the Moore and Scotch Crystal Clear will last almost indefinitely, at least 5 years. The same tape has been on my airplane since 2006, shows little sign of degeneration. it has to be applied to a clean and smooth surface. If it comes up easily, the most likely reason is that the surface was not clean and oil-free.

   The stiffness of the tape only matters if you fail to get it all the way in line with the hinge pins.

    Brett

[George Waters]

I've been using dubro electric park flier hinge tape I believe pn#916. It sticks good and is very flexible, you don't even know it's on. About 5 bucks a roll and 5yds per roll.   George

[MarcusCordeiro]

Hi Marcus. I am using on the ST .46 in the Stiletto 585 a "Thunder Tiger" 27.9 x 11.4 (11" x 4.5").

Thanks Ty

Most people seem to prefer the tape under the wing, but next time I do it, I'll do on the top, to avoid oil in the flap gap specially...
Don't ask...

Marcus

[RknRusty]

I'm building my first flapped plane so I want to be clear. Are y'all talking about using tape as the actual hinge, or just to seal the gap on flaps that already have hinges installed? For elevators, I generally sew them with dacron flying line with good results, but never sealed the gap.
Rusty