Sailplane Seal Installation Guide

This video is a complete guide for increasing the performance of your sailplane by sealing control gaps! The sailplane in this video is a Glasser-Dirks DG-808C.
Learn how to lay down double-sided transfer tape for the top of the wing. Then apply a flexible mylar seal to bridge the gap between the flaperon and wing. Safety tape is a layer of protection to ensure the mylar remains in place.
The bottom wing seal is a little tricky. We show you the secrets to getting a perfect positive seal with single-side adhesive Teflon tape. Check out how we use baby powder and Actone to get a professional installation. Some sailplane manufacturers don't recommend using Acetone. So check with your maintenance manual and A&P before using.
Gap seal application varies slightly depending on the sailplane or airplane. Again, before sealing or resealing your aircraft, check with your A&P and reference the maintenance manual. Two additional gap seal examples can be seen on our Mylar Gap Seal Tape link below.
Links to tapes seen in the video:
Mylar Gap Seal Tape: wingsandwheels.com/mylar-gap-...
Teflon Fabric Tape: wingsandwheels.com/teflon-fab...
Premium Transfer Tape: wingsandwheels.com/tesa-trans...
Tesa PVC Safety Tape: wingsandwheels.com/tesa-pvc-s...

[@charleslongley7862]

Nice video Sean!

[@gerhardwitten2271]

Hello Sean, thank you for this video, but I do not agree with your way taping mylar. We tape the teflon only on the upper side, but on the wing and the rudder, for stopping the air. Mylar and the thin tape is 90% optic (we use it as well). On the bottom side we use only mylar. Gerhard, Germany

[@wingswheels]

Hello Garhard, The sealing in this video was performed on a DG808C. Manufacturers instruction were followed, with the exception of Acetone. Many, including me believe Acetone is appropriate for limited use on sailplanes. We have two other examples of other types of sailplane sealing on our website ( wingsandwheels.com/mylar-gap-seal.html ) taken from other maintenance manuals. While the end goal is the same, installation methods vary depending on the glider make and model as specified by the manufacturer. Best regards, Wings & Wheels.

[@kenurquhart2061]

Why this background noise it is not necessary.