I am considering sealing the aileron gap on a wing that is being converted for ailerons. Is the gap sealed on both sides, or on one side? If on 1 side only, then is it sealed on the top or the bottom?
Thankx for your responses! :D

Hey Fatsky,

I sealed the aileron gaps on my aerostar 40 with clear packing tape and I did it on the top. I noticed a slight increase in control response with it on there, but it wasn't a large gap do begin with. You only need it on one side to stop the air from going through the gap. Make sure it doesn't impede the movement of the control surface.

I have seen guys cover their wing/stab(s) surface and control surface with one piece of covering after they have hinged them. This is kinda' tricky to do, but there is no gap after it's done and it looks slick.

I covered my Pica 1/12th Corsair's wing and stabs with one piece of covering using the covering as the hinge, no ca or pinned hinges. This gives the same results as above, but it's not as strong.

Jon

The trick to doing this well is:

1. Measure the perimeter of the gap. ie: from the surfaceof aileron, down to hinge line then back up to the surface of the wing.
2. Cut out a peice of covering that matches the scheme pretty good (or a clear peice), that is slightly shorter than the span of the aileron and slightly narrower than the perimeter you just measured
3. Fold this peice in half and shove it into the gap as deep as you can get it, you want the folder corner touching the hinge line theoretically :)
4. Iron onto the aileron and the wing, voila sealed gap and no control impingement.

You are going to want to do this on the elevator as well as ailerons, it probably wouldnt hurt to do it on the rudder also but I have not noticed as much difference on that control. Anyways good luck, it is worth the time.

Chad

Doesn't sound too difficult. Thankx guys!:D