Mylar seals for elevator

JJ Sinclair wrote:
Dave,
I recommend using mylar on all control surfaces and have added it to
the LS-3/4/6/7/8 without a problem. I sand the inside of the mylar
where the stickie will

I've always used the mylar with the adhesive already in place (I'm
curious why JJ doesn't). That's a lot easier, and one less thing to go
wrong, since you don't have to worry about contaminating the mylar
surface and getting a bad bond. I've never had the adhesive separate
from the mylar, though I've had problems with the adhesive not making a
good bond everywhere on the glider. That was due to poor preparation,
probably not enough sanding.

go with 220 and do the same to the horizontal
(just the 10mm area), then wipe both down with acetone before laying
down the stickie and mylar. Next, roll it down with considerable
pressure to insure a good bond, followed by the transition tape over
the leading edge of the mylar. Some have had mylar come loose because
they didn't do the above and or didn't remove all wax from the
affected area. Treat this with the respect it deserves, or take it to
a glider repair shop. We have had a bail-out caused by lifting mylar
on the stab.

Add "mylar and tape inspection" to your preflight: look for unbonded
spots and safety/transition tape thats brittle, peeling, or loosens
easily when you pick at it. It's easy to replace if you do it every year
or two, before it begins to deteriorate. The top side goes bad first.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
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