Sport Pilot Talk

Wondering what people use to tape wing roots ?
I noticed some ripping cracks and splits on one wing root.

Seems this would be a decent choice http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/bowlus.htm , a bit pricey ....anything cheaper in, say Home Depot ?

A $100,000 airplane and you want to save a few bucks on a roll of tape. All joking aside, I have been using the Bowlus tape for about 10 years now. It works, and works well. You might find something that looks similar in the box store, but the next time the tape needs replaced you might spend enough time cleaning up the tape goo to make up the difference. The Bowlus tape is worth the extra money in my opinion.

Read the product warning labels carefully. 3M makes a product they call Propeller Leading Edge Tape. I once bought a roll from Acft Spruce (to put on the leading edges of prop blades, of course). It came accompanied by a tag, stating "caution: not for use on aircraft propellers."

3Dreaming wrote:A $100,000 airplane and you want to save a few bucks on a roll of tape. All joking aside, I have been using the Bowlus tape for about 10 years now. It works, and works well. You might find something that looks similar in the box store, but the next time the tape needs replaced you might spend enough time cleaning up the tape goo to make up the difference. The Bowlus tape is worth the extra money in my opinion.

Don’t remind me.
I just got done with my 5 year Rotax rubber replacement and I am not in the mood for $100 000 jokes
Every time I spend money on this plane I have to remind myself that I will die one day and may as well enjoy while I am still alive heh.


I will go with The Bowlus tape since a roll should last me for a while ( I hope)

On an unrelated note ...
DrSeti do you, by any chance, do avionics installations or dynamic prop balancing ?

Bowlus does last awhile. And, it comes in different widths.

Sailplane gap tape is poly, goes on easy and can be removed without residue left behind. I put it on and remove it for every flight, Club ships leave it on all season and it comes off just fine.

$4.50/roll. Even if it doesn't make you jump higher and run faster, it may make the trip quieter.

Dan


http://wingsandwheels.com/tapes-seals/g ... -tape.html

Here you go. Use 1". There is no need for 2" tape. The Flight Design fleet uses this tape. When you apply it do not stretch it. Just pull it out a lay it down. Stretching it will cause cracking later. If you need to take old tape residue off use some Goof-Off on a rag.
This tape works very well and should suit your needs.


http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/bowlus.htm

Minor nit -- I'd suggest 1" on the wing root and 2" on the flaps (if you elect to tape here).

Thanks guys - I think will stick with taping wing roots only (which is what it was in the first place when I got the plane )

Warmi wrote: On an unrelated note ...
DrSeti do you, by any chance, do avionics installations or dynamic prop balancing ?

I do limited avionics installs on Dynon Skyview (have done ADS-B 2020 upgrades, and gave two EAA Webinars on the topic). Sorry, don't have dynamic prop balancing capabilities.

Warmi wrote: On an unrelated note ...
DrSeti do you, by any chance, do avionics installations or dynamic prop balancing ?

Not to pimp but give Rich Maisano at Bristell America (717-371-8677) located at Lancaster Airport KLNS in PA.

I know for sure that he is anal when it comes to vibration and has the equipment

An excellent lead, Jim. Should have thought of it myself. Warmi, Rich is in Sebring right now, but you can try him in a week.

+1 on Bowlus tape. What’s on mine is about 4 years old and only now looking like it’s about due for replacement.

A couple tricks...

1) I wanted to be able to see my wing attach points. I taped in some clear plastic from bubble-pack to that end:



2) My wing gap widens out appreciably as it moves aft towards the flap linkage. I cut some white plastic to help bridge that gap. Sorry, no photos.

Here's that wedge of white plastic I used to bridge the widening gap in the aft portion of my wing root:



Like I said, I'm a bit overdue for a retaping job.

Got the tape ... will be taping soon.

Interestingly, the guy who sells this stuff strongly suggests sending him checks vs CC ... nothing wrong with that , obviously he wants to save some money but I think this is the first check I wrote in , I don't know .. long time

BTW Eddie that is some serious taping you got going on there ... Is it due to noise or performance ?