Re-curving mylar on a glider

Bob:

Are you doing the reprofiling yourself or having it done?

Ray Warshaw
1LK

Bob Fidler wrote:
After 12 years the adhesive tape used to hold the seal in place has
deteriorated to the point that your original seal installation may be
unsafe. I've seen approx. 10 years seal installations where the adhesive is
about to release the seal. A small tug on the seal itself and the seal may
slip away from the adhesive. A lost seal inflight is something we all must
avoid at all cost. Control surfaces can stop working after a total or
partial separation.

I think 7-8 years is max any seal installation should be trusted because of
the potential loss of adhesion.
Also,the seal itself has deteriated from UV ( why it has lost the heat
induced curvature) and although is safe with regard to its physical
intregrity, new ones would look a whole lot nicer and a new seal with new
adhesive, a lot safer.

I think seal installations on gliders can be potentially the weakest link in
our sport. A failed seal can kill you and we should all be aware of time
limiations.

This winter I am reprofiling my wings and quess what, my seals will be
replaced after 5 years.


bob fidler
"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
news:JfBYg.3919$5v5.3761@trndny08...
My top surface mylar seems to have lost some of it's curvature, because it
doesn't quite touch the aileron and flaps when they are in positive
positions. Does anyone know a way to put the curve back into the mylar
without removing it? It's so well adhered and smoothly installed, I'd like
to leave it on if at all possible, but I think it may be degrading my
climb while thermalling. The mylar is almost 12 years old.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

"Transponders in Sailplanes" on the Soaring Safety Foundation website
www.soaringsafety.org/prevention/articles.html

"A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org