Thread: Taping the wingroot.

I got into the habit to tape the wingroot where it connects to the fuselage.

Of course with my soaring background I am convinced it makes a difference in performance.

I flew today for 4 hours after taping it since my last 200hrs inspection where the wings came off, and prior I did have a few flights without the tape.

I do notice the difference. Seems about 2kts.

Any other experiences?

BTW. before taping make sure to wait 2 to 3 months to make sure the gelcoat is cured.

Cheers,

Jos

I believe I've seen the planes delivered from FlightDesignWest taped as they go out the door - probably before the three months of curing you mention??

Roger H

Our tape from Lockwood arrived - it is the highly recommended Bowlus Maxi Tape. We're doing the tape job this weekend - photos to follow.

Doug

I just received a roll of this stuff to replace some that we had to remove - works great! Highly recommended.

Roger
Remember that you will have to replace it every 100hrs as the wings have to be removed to do the 100 hrly however I too find that it is good stuff - I only got enough to do it once not realising I had to reapply it after each service.

By the way, I ordered my Bowlus Tape from Cumulus Soaring in MN. Very good/fast service. Paid $8.50 for the tape and 3.98 for S/H. Wonder if I can find it locally!!

Roger H

I've had a hundred-hour inspection and an annual since purchasing my plane about a year ago, and it's my understanding that there is no need to remove the wings during the inspection.

http://www.flightdesignusa.com/documentation.asp

the wing removal was required to inspect the fuel filters. i was advised that the procedure was being updated to a simple fuel flow rate check to confirm the filters are open.

You guys are right.
No more wing removal at the 100hr. Just a fuel flow test. I just did my 100hr. No issues.

Thanks guys, that's good to know