White, extra thin, to seal up the profile gap tape.

Price per meter, available only in whole rolls, 66m each

Installation instructions for rudder gap profile band

Aileron gap profile band provides a smooth airflow between wings and ailerons or flaps as well as Stabilizer or vertical fin and their respective control surfaces. The tape decreases the drag produced by the gap between control surface and the adjacent structures. This in turn increases control surface efficiency and overall aircraft performance.

Check, whether your control surface have been sealed. Wind tunnel trials have shown an increase in performance by sealing Aileron and flap gaps. Considering certain types of aircraft control surface flutter can be caused by air flowing through the rudder gaps.

This problem can be solved by sealing foils. Attachment of only the rudder gap profile tape may not be sufficient.

Installation of the rudder gap profile strip

This strap (called Mylar strap for short by aviators) is a high-quality plastic strap that is curved. The tape is attached to the top or underside of the wing so that the unattached side of the tape touches the rudder at its thickest point. Due to its curvature, the tape is pressed onto the rudder and glides over it. Teflon spray, polish or the application of Teflon tape in this area can help the rudder to slide smoothly.

Before applying the adhesive film, the profile tape and the surface to be covered should be made free of grease and dirt.

As additional protection, the front edge of the profile tape should be covered with a thin, white PVC adhesive film, whereby approx. 5mm should cover the sash and the rest the profile tape (3).

Procedure in keywords:

• Clean and degrease the areas to be glued on the hinge and sash with acetone or thinner.
• Slide the tape into the optimum position by trial and error and mark with a pencil.
• Apply special adhesive film (12 mm) along the marked line. If the adhesive surface is larger, place two strips next to each other. Press the tape on firmly!
• Carefully remove approx. 30-50 cm of wax tape from the adhesive film.
• Press down firmly on one end of the profiled tape and apply it to the adhesive film with the wax tape removed.
• Repeat the process step by step to the end.
• Use a soft cloth to press the adhesive area firmly.
• Apply the PVC adhesive film over the front edge of the bonded profile tape.
• Regularly treat the sanding area of the profile tape with Teflon spray or polish.

Attention!!!

Check the movement of the rudder for jamming and blocking by the applied profile tape. For safety reasons, the installation should be checked by a qualified person. The supplier of the hinges accepts no guarantee or liability for incorrect installation!