I Hate Tape Hinges

[Ernie Buenafe]

Let me be clear on this--I Hate Tape Hinging.

After glassing the wings of the Flip --

(Which turned out better than expected, the amount of effort put into it was worth the result, the surface is hard and quite smooth. I have yet to perform a test flight, however.)

-- I retaped the ailerons and flaps as before. I have since regretted this. I am now in the process of redoing the flap tape hinges with mechanical hinges, something akin to DuBro hinges. Flaps require more movement, especially so since I couple them to the ailerons. If this works well, I'll redo the ailerons hinges, too.

Removing the tape left a residue of adhesive which was difficult to remove. I used acetone to clean the residue. It was a messy job. Mechanical hinges will be a nicer solution, although there will be air gapes between the hinges. I might have to do something about that.

Connie and I are leaving for Europe in a couple days, a cruise on the Rhine--Amsterdam to Budapest,14 days. So, work on the Flip will have to wait until we get back.