DG-101 - increase performance/sealing/winglets(?)

Dan, did you apply that to the canopy side or the glider side?

Matt

On Monday, 15 July 2019 09:02:10 UTC+10, Matt McBee wrote:
Dan, did you apply that to the canopy side or the glider side?

Matt

Canopy side. Most canopies have a concave structure that sits over the lip on the cockpit side. Easier to run this stuff around the concave portion since it won't move then.

I've never tuned a glider, but before I bought my glider I read all of Dick Johnson's test flight reviews. As others have said sealing the control surfaces is where Dick saw some of the biggest returns, but he also would seal the wing roots around the control rods to prevent the (relatively) high pressure air in the fuselage from venting out through the top of the spoiler box and push rod exits. I've seen people do this with cones made of Ceconite and heard of large balloons being cut down and used as well.
DT

Shower curtains, too...

On 7/15/2019 6:47 AM, wrote:
I've never tuned a glider, but before I bought my glider I read all of Dick Johnson's test flight reviews. As others have said sealing the control surfaces is where Dick saw some of the biggest returns, but he also would seal the wing roots around the control rods to prevent the (relatively) high pressure air in the fuselage from venting out through the top of the spoiler box and push rod exits. I've seen people do this with cones made of Ceconite and heard of large balloons being cut down and used as well.
DT

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Dan, 5J

Good point!Â* My friend's '27 as a very large area along the fuselage
side which is perfect for applying sealing tape.Â* My LS-6, mentioned
above, had a deep groove in the canopy, perfect for the silicone treatment.

On 7/15/2019 6:09 AM, Justin Couch wrote:
On Monday, 15 July 2019 09:02:10 UTC+10, Matt McBee wrote:
Dan, did you apply that to the canopy side or the glider side?

Matt
Canopy side. Most canopies have a concave structure that sits over the lip on the cockpit side. Easier to run this stuff around the concave portion since it won't move then.

--
Dan, 5J

The glider side.

Twenty-five years ago I sealed the canopy of my LS-6a by wrapping the
fuselage side with cellophane and waxed paper, held down with masking
tape, and then shot a bead of clear silicone sealant along the canopy
sealing surface.Â* Then I locked the canopy down and went away for 24
hours.Â* Upon returning I trimmed the squeeze out inside and out with a
razor blade.

It was unbelievably quiet inside!Â* A minor problem was that, on really
hot days, the silicone expanded enough that locking the canopy was
noticeably stiffer.Â* Still not a problem given the benefit.Â* I imagine
that in Belgium, there aren't that many days hot enough to do that.

On 7/14/2019 5:02 PM, Matt McBee wrote:
Dan, did you apply that to the canopy side or the glider side?

Matt

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Dan, 5J