Gap seal

[gaston]

Hi Russel

Yes I did.
But I did it in the winter time and God knows how long is winter up here...So after the long winter is gone when you take your plane back into the air,it's hard to tell the exact difference an improvement produces...
I remember I wrote on this site that it seemed more responsive in pitch...but I do not remember all I have written at this time.

Note that the goal was not to gain control effectiveness , but speed.
I do not understand why peoples add tail area on their Sonerai as mine is built as per the plans and is reacting very well that way.
The work done this winter(2008/2009) included gap seals on elevator & rudder,Brakes cover added to the wheel pants, streamlined gear legs,and ailerons tape seal...
so I can't comment on the speed gained with gap seals only...
I remember I wrote that I thought it was more sensitive than before in rough air,but now I'm used to it ...

I still think the Sonerai doesn't need added control efficiency,it
behaves very well as is...but this is only my opinion and based on only one Sonerai...and it probably didn't react that well, until it was better rigged ...

Gaston

[thepelican]

Gaston:

Thanks for the reply.

I am pleased to read your opinion that the rudder is sufficient. I have an S1 that I should have ready for flight in late winter. I have never flown the type but have read comments that early in the takeoff roll the rudder is not very responsive and below 45 mph on the landing rollout it looses effectiveness. So the gap seal question seemed obvious and so I may add them.

Yet, I am interested to hear from the experienced Sonerai people regarding flight qualities and technique.

So, all that said, what did you use for your gap seals?

Regards,

Russell

[gaston]

Hi Russel
I talked about a 2L ...

but I flew a S1 last summer and I found it to be much the same as the 2L after the direct link between rudder &tail wheel was replaced by a spring/chain link...
it became much less squirrel on take off & landind...

Gaston

[schines]

Allo Gaston, J'aimerais savoir quel est le materiel du Gap seal? Comment pouvons nous l'attacher?
Scott

[hans]

Dec 4, 2011 21:51:11 GMT -5 schines said:

Allo Gaston, J'aimerais savoir quel est le materiel du Gap seal? Comment pouvons nous l'attacher?
Scott

Gaston,

this is something that I was asking myself too...

amicalement
Hans

[Schmleff]

Dec 4, 2011 21:11:44 GMT -5 thepelican said:

Gaston:

Thanks for the reply.

I am pleased to read your opinion that the rudder is sufficient. I have an S1 that I should have ready for flight in late winter. I have never flown the type but have read comments that early in the takeoff roll the rudder is not very responsive and below 45 mph on the landing rollout it looses effectiveness. So the gap seal question seemed obvious and so I may add them.

Yet, I am interested to hear from the experienced Sonerai people regarding flight qualities and technique.

So, all that said, what did you use for your gap seals?

Regards,

Russell

I would agree, don't lift the tail till you pick up some forward speed. I don't really look to see what speed I am at, but around 40mph seems about right.

Here is a video of me taking my SI off with a rearward facing camera. I was surprised to see how soon I had lifted the tail, but this was a pretty normal take off.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjtQPzV-f_M&list=UU5kB3tgyXL67TAwvRtOdyfA&index=4&feature=plcp

[hans]

As a matter of interest, how are gaps sealed? What material is used, how is it applied? How is it ensured, that any sealing material that gets loose is not blocking any vital part of the control system?

cheers
Hans