Bill,
I did not actually measure aileron forces before and after, but I can
say that I did not feel any significant difference. The purpose of my
application of gap seals was to reduce drag in cruise - turns didn't
count because there aren't that many in a long cross country race.
The seals I use are made from curved mylar strips with leading edge
glue and special thin tape over that. They were designed for 100 mph
gliders and I have some angst when traveling over 200 Kts (225 in a
descent). Loss of one control surface seal might result in uneven
forces. I do not recommend this type of seal on faster
airplanes.
However, the drag reduction benefits on my airplane make the concept of gap
seals useful. Were I building today, I would construct internal seals.
Finally, the forces required for significantly deflecting the ailerons on a
320/360 to achieve a fast roll rate appear high and quite out of
proportion to those light forces used for deflecting the elevator
(lack of control harmony). Those aileron forces increase with speed
but gently rolling into a standard rate turn does not seem to require that much
effort and the AP has no problem with its 1/2 standard rate turns. Of
course, the only time I use standard rate turns are at low speeds. Then
again, everything changes in a 60 degree banked turn as there is no effort
required to retain the bank but heavy handed back pressure is needed to
retain the altitude (depending on whether it is to the left or right).
Grayhawk
PS 12 years of flying this powered lawn dart and she still puts a
smile on my face each time we go up, flit hither and yon and later come
back down to Mother Earth. How sweet it is.
In a message dated 7/26/2008 7:30:28 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
billhogarty@hughes.net writes:
For
Greyhawk:
Although my ailerons move freely on the ground, the
in-flight force
required in my 4P is greater than I would hope for.
I was considering
gap seals as a possible remedy. Since I understand
that you have
installed gap seals on your machine, could we have your
before and after
experience with respect to aileron force and/or any other
secrets you
might like to share.
BTW, does any other L-IV have this
problem?
Thanks, Bill Hogarty
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