3M Leading Edge Tape Review

[@charlesatrealeyesimaging8543]

Thanks Scott. I asked the question and you delivered the answer so I appreciate it. I’ll go with 4 inch. Thanks as always for all your hard and great work. Best, Charlie.

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

Real Eyes Imaging Charlie... good idea thanks for the suggestion!

[@ParadigmUnkn0wn]

Typically you want some kind of surfactant in the water you're using for decal application. That could be some fancy application liquid, or a few drops of standard dish detergent. Also, make sure to use distilled water.

[@150pilot]

I had this on the leading edge of my aircraft. Worked great for the first five years. Then the edges started to shrivel and mold under the tape. After about eight years it looked horrible. I didn't try to take it off as I was worried about removing the paint from the skin. Eventually the bugs stained the tape and it went from clear to very spotted. The tape also began to dry out and crack. It was easier to remove the bugs with Lucas Mist.

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

I suspect the tape you had wasn't 3M, but glad you found a solution.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

This is the same material they've marketed as clear bras for automobiles for years. We applied it to my wife's car and it works fine, but we did find that it yellowed.

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

The aviation version is a little more resilient. I've never had that problem, that being said I hangar my airplane except when its on a trip

[@NoNonsenseScalping]

Any suggestion on putting it on a tube and fabric airplane. I have a citabria that I want to try it on.

[@mikem8163]

Really appreciate the video! Been toying with doing this on my F33A after having the leading edges repainted. Is the four inch tape wide enough at the wing root for adequate protection? I was hoping you would show a little more video in that area so I’d have a better idea of coverage. I have used this type of film on my vehicles and it will really save a paint job. Thanks again!

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

Mike. I think the 4” works great. The wing root is thicker, but the 4” is adequate there.

[@beachside180]

Thanks Scott

[@pipercherokee8598]

Thanks as always, I bought this stuff for my Debonair but have been hesitant to tackle it - now I have the confidence to dive in (maybe when it is a little cooler out)! So to be clear, does the adhesive that is already on it need the water to "activate"? Or is that strictly for ease of installation? Crazy to think an adhesive can still be sticky after getting wet, they should try that with bandaids!

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

Piper- the water prevents the adhesive from sticking right away. You can move it around a little- not long. It does NOT need water for activation. Thanks for watching!

[@chuckschillingvideos]

I've always wondered why no one seems to leave the leading edges of their wings and elevators in bare metal, which would seem to make it far easier to remove the stuck-on residue from bug strikes.

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

Oxidation and corrosion for one thing.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

@@FlyWirescottperdue I was just thinking of all the Air Force aircraft from the WWII and the Korean war eras that were left in BMF. And the cowl rings of every modern airliner and civil jet are also left in bare metal.

[@MrSfredrik]

Thanks for a good channel and interesting topic. How about the prop? Can you use 3M there too?

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

Fredrik- Thanks a bunch! You can't use this version of the 3M Leading Edge tape on props. There is something out there, or was. I'm not sure what it is!

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

@@mrb13676 Good to know!

[@tonydavis5053]

Add dish soap to the spray bottle you’ll be able to move the film around a little bit!

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

Really good suggestion!

[@justinsalaskanadventures]

Thanks Scott, what’s your opinion on using them on struts and tail surfaces? Specifically on the 180?

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

Thanks Justin. I put them on the tail and the struts. The horizontal has thick rubber for rocks anyway.

[@josephcovino9697]

Do you need to do a 337 , or have an stc for that tape ? Anybody?

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

Joesph- You don't need an STC, it is not a permanent TCDS altering alteration. It is a minor alteration.

[@mikeday62]

But aren't bugs a critical part of our ever-so-fragile natural environment? Mercilessly slaughtering them with your leading edge might cause our ecosystem to gyrate completely out of balance.

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

Haha! There are way more bugs than any other life form... just who/what are on top of the food chain?

[@mikeday62]

@@FlyWirescottperdue Good points Scott.

[@MonkPetite]

Is it an stc ?

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

No, it's not permanently attached. You can basically peel it off.

[@MonkPetite]

FlyWire- scott perdue , thanks , we cant have here in Europa. It must be an stc with the proper forms.. it’s a change to the aircraft. I wonder if the FAA will see it as a minor change it the NTSB finds it a flaw after an accident. Erosion tape on propellers same issue. It must have a part number and approved by manufacturer. I’m Faa designated inspector / easa Arc inspector.

[@ginacalabrese3869]

Sorry but I will buy as few 3M products as possible from now on after them selling out all our PPE production to China and not even pretending to care. Modern ceramic coatings will protect the paint of the entire aircraft after a good polishing and you can say goodbye to messy wax forever. Just clean the fresh bugs off the leading edges with a sponge and mild soap and water before you put it back into the hangar. I detailed jets for a couple of years. I wish these coatings were available back then. They work on bare metal planes and parts too.

[@FlyWirescottperdue]

Rjh Rhjj don’t know about that stuff. I’ve had my stash for about 5 years. Have a video coming out soon about how to keep your airplane nice and shiny!