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Thread: Lost screws on training edge in front of flap

  1. #1
    Senior Member kiwibob's Avatar
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    Default Lost screws on training edge in front of flap

    There is a strip of ally that covers the gap between the flap and the wing that is held on by a series of small screws. I have no idea what the strip is called but I'm sure it has a name.

    Anyway in recent times the fixing screws seem to be having more and more trouble staying there despite locktite and now being part of my preflight check. Several have had to be replaced with a larger size as the screw holes are clearly working out.

    Is anyone else is having trouble with these screws falling out and better yet has anyone has found a solution?
    Bob Gray, FX-3 #38, ZK-FXC

  2. #2
    Administrator Pete D's Avatar
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    Default Re: Lost screws on training edge in front of flap

    I believe you are referring to the "flap gap seal" with sort of a "V" shape cross section and screws on top of the wing and on the back of the wing.

    This is not a typical area to have screws loosening up that much.

    Has the prop/engine ever been dynamically balanced? That can sometimes be the source of things rattling loose and wearing abnormally quick from vibration.

    What is the total time on the a/c?
    Pete Dougherty
    Customer Support Manager
    Cub Crafters Inc

  3. #3
    Senior Member kiwibob's Avatar
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    Default Re: Lost screws on training edge in front of flap

    Quote Originally Posted by Pete D View Post
    Has the prop/engine ever been dynamically balanced? That can sometimes be the source of things rattling loose and wearing abnormally quick from vibration.

    What is the total time on the a/c?
    Thanks for the prompt reply. Yes it is the "flap gap seal"

    Yhe prop has been dynamically balanced, about 2-3 years ago.

    The plane (#193) has 250 hours on it.
    Bob Gray, FX-3 #38, ZK-FXC

  4. #4
    Senior Member stede52's Avatar
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    Default Re: Lost screws on training edge in front of flap

    Pete,
    Being a new CC builder, is there any reason why the flap gap seals can't be riveted on with stainless or aluminum 3/32 rivets?
    Steve Dentz
    N419LD
    Carnation, WA

  5. #5
    Administrator Pete D's Avatar
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    Default Re: Lost screws on training edge in front of flap

    You probably could rivet them on an EX. You might want to screw them on first, at least every other hole to check the fit with the flap. It can sometimes be a bit tricky to get the gap nice and even but not touching the flap. The only time you should need to remove them is if you were going to be taking the fabric off the wing.
    Pete Dougherty
    Customer Support Manager
    Cub Crafters Inc

  6. #6
    Senior Member stede52's Avatar
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    Default Re: Lost screws on training edge in front of flap

    Thanks Pete
    Steve Dentz
    N419LD
    Carnation, WA

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Lost screws on training edge in front of flap

    Setting a very small gap between the flap gap seal and the flap is difficult. A solution is to putting a 3" wide slippery PTFE clear tape on the flap which allows the gap seal to touch the flap but wont scratch the paint on the flap and being slippery it doesn't interfere with the operation of the flap.
    Bruce Thomas
    EX 041

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