RTV in Ailerons?

[superfly1369]

Hi all, I'm to the point in building the wings where I am building the ailerons, and got my left skin with the stiffeners in place, and folded to the correct angle. My question is.... empennage called for optional RTV sealant in the trailing edges of rudder & elevators, but not mentioned anywhere in the wings. Any reason NOT to do this? I'm struggling between taking ownership of this build and listening to the plans, but as many have noticed, wings don't include a lot of details in that department. I just don't want light/heavy/lopsided ailerons and not even know it til I fly it.

Thanks for any insight!

Mike

 

[Full Throttle]

Counter weight.

 

[Ralph Inkster]

Stiffeners in rudder & elevators have potential to form cracks, therefore the use of RTV or similar as prevention.
I have never seen or heard of cracks forming in ailerons, probably because they are not in the prop wash.

 

[Estevanb]

Hi all, I'm to the point in building the wings where I am building the ailerons, and got my left skin with the stiffeners in place, and folded to the correct angle. My question is.... empennage called for optional RTV sealant in the trailing edges of rudder & elevators, but not mentioned anywhere in the wings. Any reason NOT to do this? I'm struggling between taking ownership of this build and listening to the plans, but as many have noticed, wings don't include a lot of details in that department. I just don't want light/heavy/lopsided ailerons and not even know it til I fly it.

Thanks for any insight!

Mike

Which airplane are you building? RV-8? Does it say RTV sealant or fuel tank sealant? I'm RV14 builder. just curious. never seen this recommendation on the 14.

 

[superfly1369]

Stiffeners in rudder & elevators have potential to form cracks, therefore the use of RTV or similar as prevention.
I have never seen or heard of cracks forming in ailerons, probably because they are not in the prop wash.

Thanks, that helps! Plans didn't call for it, but just wanted to be sure I wasn't setting myself up for flutter.

 

[superfly1369]

Which airplane are you building? RV-8? Does it say RTV sealant or fuel tank sealant? I'm RV14 builder. just curious. never seen this recommendation on the 14.

Yes, RV-8. My instructions says RTV or similar sealant for the tail. Assuming any sort of rubbery silicone that won't dry out and crack apart will do, just to cushion any vibration in the aft edges, but not sure, this is my first build.

 

[rocketman1988]

Yes, RV-8. My instructions says RTV or similar sealant for the tail. Assuming any sort of rubbery silicone that won't dry out and crack apart will do, just to cushion any vibration in the aft edges, but not sure, this is my first build.

Note that if you intend on painting, any excess silicone on the surrounding surfaces may give you headaches, even if you think you wiped it all off...