RV-12 VA 204 Seal Strip

[Walt Shipley]

There is an exisiting thread on seal strips but it doesn't exactly address my question, which is: is it okay to fly an RV-12 without the seal strips?

Page 33-04 of the instructions say not to install the strips until after the wings are painted. I don't plan on painting my 12 until I finish my test flights. Apparently Van did advise one builder that there is some loss of lift in the inboard section of the wing when the seals are not in place, but is it
enough to be concerned about from a safety standpoint?

Thanks, Walt Shipley

 

[Mich48041]

I have been flying my RV-12 without the wing seals because the plane is not painted yet, same situation as you. No doubt that the RV-12 will perform better with the wing seals installed.
Joe Gores

 

[rvbuilder2002]

A good way to avoid any concern would be to use some vinyl tape to seal the gap until the permanent seal is installed.

 

[Walt Shipley]

Seal Strip

Thanks, guys. Think I'll apply the tape.

Walt