Speed tape

[rhtrudder]

Thinking of taping up the gaps in front of the ailerons, is it worth doing and what tape would be best, I thought it might kill a bit of drag which I read somewhere 

[facthunter]

GAP sealing is known to provide advantages of less drag and more effective control function. You have more difficulty oiling the hinges. Nev

[djpacro]

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/gapseal.php

 

Effectiveness depends on the design of the ailerons you have and the size of the gap. Some designs are not intended to have the gap sealed.

Edited February 7, 2022 by djpacro

[rhtrudder]

1 hour ago, facthunter said:

GAP sealing is known to provide advantages of less drag and more effective control function. You have more difficulty oiling the hinges. Nev

Maybe just leave the hinge exposed 

[skippydiesel]

I made up my own seals using Mylar strips & HD double side tape. As  above sugestion, left hinges exposed. Subjectively worked well.

 

Take great car that you dont restrict control surface movement.

 

Check out :

 

 https://wingsandwheels.com/gap-seal-tape.html

 

 https://www.cumulus-soaring.com/store/bowlus-tape-white-1in

 

https://www.homebuiltairplanes.com/forums/threads/aileron-gap-seal.20995/

[Yenn]

Also take care that whatever you use maintains a smooth surface. RVs use a tape that slides against the wing surface for the flaps.

[facthunter]

You can do that if the surface is concentric with the hinge pivot axis. Nev

[Markdun]

I use Leukosilk tape 50mm wide which you can buy from a chemist. Its simple and it lasts about 10-15 years, is white and can be spray painted with acrylic or Stits Polytone which not only makes it conform to your livery but also protects it from UV.  I use it to seal the wing root/wing fairing gaps on the Corby and the rudder and elevator gaps in the Cygnet.  On some hinge joints you need quite a complicated tape arrangement and this would be the case for the Frieze ailerons on the Cygnet and all the Corby control hinges.  The glider people are full bottle on those.