Elevator / Rudder Gap Seal

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FredHoffman
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Elevator / Rudder Gap Seal

Post by FredHoffman »

Any pictures of Gap seals on elevator and rudder or good ideas ? I saw Cub Crafters sells an extruded foam piece to stuff in the gap. Also saw one like it on Aircraft Spruce for a Pitts. Both look pretty slick but the Highlander tubes are smaller diameter.

Fred
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danerazz
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Re: Elevator / Rudder Gap Seal

Post by danerazz »

I had considered trying to get a company to make a custom foam extrusion but got sidetracked by other stuff. I have seen several planes with tape gap seals. I think there is a discussion on the forum about this already.
Dane

Paralysis by analysis
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BucF16
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Re: Elevator / Rudder Gap Seal

Post by BucF16 »

I had the gap seals that are offered in Spruce on 2 Pitts and my Eagle II. They worked great. When I get my Highlander covered, I'll measure the clearance. If it's with-in reason, I use that method.

Cheers,
Bruce
Bruce Johnson Highlander # 393
"Because I fly, I envy no man on Earth"
Builder web site:
http://www.bruceshighlander.blogspot.com
FredHoffman
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Re: Elevator / Rudder Gap Seal

Post by FredHoffman »

I'm going to order a piece from aircraft spruce to see how it fits. I took some measurements and I thought about having it snug to the stab and taped on top and bottom with 3M abrasion tape. I think this would most likely lead to a 1/8" inch clearance gap at the leading edge of the elevator. Might be better as there will be no rubbing/ abrasion wearing through the paint and fabric which seemed to be a concern on the Cub forums.
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danerazz
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Re: Elevator / Rudder Gap Seal

Post by danerazz »

If you put anti-abrasion tape on the elevator and stab then insert the foam I would think you could minimize the chaffing. I had considered a somewhat stiff plastic attached to the horizontal stab that would lay on the elevator and slide on some abrasion tape or even a strip of foil tape. Or even a piece of piano hinge only attached on one side to the horizontal and allowed to flex/slide on the elevator.
Dane

Paralysis by analysis
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danerazz
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Re: Elevator / Rudder Gap Seal

Post by danerazz »

I just found this, I know what he is talking about, it is really stretchy.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HL66xIS008Q
Dane

Paralysis by analysis
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bluemax
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Re: Elevator / Rudder Gap Seal

Post by bluemax »

Here is another source for gap seals:

http://wingsandwheels.com/tapes-seals.html
Max Rentz
Newark, Ohio
ls6pj
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Re: Elevator / Rudder Gap Seal

Post by ls6pj »

There is teflon anti-abrasion tape in the gliding community that works realy well. It has a brownish color when you apply it but UV light makes it go white on a couple of months. Very good stuff.
Paul Janssens
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vinon sur verdon
France
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