Gap Seals

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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Sixracer
Posts: 93
Joined: Sat May 12, 2012 12:04 pm

Gap Seals

Post by Sixracer »

Has anyone used the Texas AeroPlastics gap seals.
Their ad says they are attached with a quick and easy method.
They say they are easy on and off for flap service and inspection.
Is this a good sales pitch or is it factual?
Is there a better fitting or type of Gap seal?
Are they priced right?
Any constructive comments would be appreciated.
bagarre
Posts: 2615
Joined: Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:35 pm

Re: Gap Seals

Post by bagarre »

There are a few threads here about flap gap seals in general.
From what I've read here and other places, the aileron gap seals do a better job and some claim the flap seal can interfere with airflow when the flaps are extended.

I don't know if anyone has done any real testing either way tho. Mostly anecdotal observations.
Are these approved for flight when removed? Might be a good chance to do a side by side comparison.
But 4knots speed gain on a single mod is a pretty tall claim.
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blueldr
Posts: 4442
Joined: Thu May 02, 2002 3:16 am

Re: Gap Seals

Post by blueldr »

If you're talking about installing flap gap seals, why would one want to reduce flap effectiveness to hopefully gain a mile or two in an airplane like a C-170. They just don't go fast! I seriously doubt you could really tell the speed gain difference in any sort of a trip in the airplane.
BL
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