Sealing The Control Surface Hinge Gaps - Model Tech Sukhoi SU-31 Assembly Instructions Manual

❑ Modeling Knife
❑ Straight Edge Ruler
❑ Pencil
IMPORTANT It is imperative that the aileron and elevator hinge gaps be sealed. Failure to do this can lead to control surface flutter,
which can cause your airplane to crash. Sealing the hinge gaps will also provide crisper control response and allow the airplane to
track straighter and fly truer, making trimming much easier. it's not necessary to seal the rudder hinge gap.
Step 1: SealinG the aileron hinGe GapS
❑ Pivot the aileron up and down several times to check for free movement, then repeat the previous procedures to seal the hinge
gap on the second aileron. The ailerons should be able to smoothly pivot completely up and completely down without interference
from the covering material.
Step 2: SealinG the eleVator hinGe Gap
IMPORTANT It's not necessary to seal the rudder hinge gap.

SealinG the Control SurfaCe hinGe GapS

YoU'll neeD The FolloWing ToolS AnD SUPPlieS:
❑ Cut a piece of covering material 1" (25mm) wide and the same length as
the aileron hinge line.
❑ Fold the length of covering material in half lengthwise so that there is a
sharp crease down the middle of the covering material.
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to seal both the bottom and the top.
❑ Remove the protective backing from the covering material. With the
control surface fully deflected in the "UP" position, place the length of covering
material over the hinge line (on the bottom), making sure that the crease is
pushed completely down into the hinge line.
❑ With the control surface fully deflected in the "UP" position, use a
heat-sealing iron to adhere the covering material to both the trailing edge of
the wing and to the leading edge bevel of the aileron.
❑ Trim the excess covering material flush with both surfaces.
❑ Seal the elevator hinge gap, using the same technique that you used to
seal the aileron hinge gaps. Note that you will have to seal each half of the
elevator hinge gap separately.
❑ Heat-Sealing Iron
❑ Monokote White Covering Material
Only the bottom of the hinge gap needs to be sealed. It is not necessary
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