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Gap seal kit?

2001-09-28 15:32:15

Gap seal kit?

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I have a 1969k model 172 with a 0360 engine. Am considering a flap gap seal kit. Can anyone give me any feedback as to will they realy work and how much?

Thanks
Tom</HTML>

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2001-09-28 18:09:24

Re: Gap seal kit?

<HTML>They will definitely reduce the weight of your wallet.;Þ</HTML>

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2001-09-28 18:22:21

Re: Gap seal kit?

<HTML>My 1969 172k has gap seals, droop leading edge, Wing tips, and stall fences. It came from Alaska. I am quite proud of it - Yesterday I went flying full fuel and Pilot only, about 50 deg F.
I didn't use 500 feet of runway to get off and was at about 200 ft AGL within about the next 200 ft of runway. The aircraft cruises at 120 kts even with full fuel and family, and those huge tires hangimg out there. I have been accused of using only 100 ft of runway to land, but I still have a difficult time accepting the slow speeds to get the thing on the ground. It remains flying under control with good aileron response, at very very slow speeds. You can see my 172 on the photo gallery page. I'm not sure which of the mods is most responsible, but I sure do like the combination.

I also added the powerflow exhaust system - which is great - and greatly improves takeoff and climbout - even fully loaded - even when its very hot outside - climb is great right to 10,000 - I generally stop there or decend after going over clouds, so I don't know about higher altitudes.

Good Luck/have fun Ken</HTML>

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2001-09-30 00:01:05

Re: Gap seal kit?

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Are you saying that they will not change my speed envelope of my plane?</HTML>

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2001-10-01 03:11:59

Re: Gap seal kit?

<HTML>I think that they work very vell.
I have several mods on my plane/wing and some do a very good job of decreasing stall speed - although they add drag etc and would decrease cruise speed on their own, however I think the gap seals probably increase both cruise and the effectiveness etc of the flaps at very slow speeds. Again I really like the combination - but some of these mods are probably compensating for each other - If I wanted only cruise and only changed the wing tips and tires . then I'm sure that would help - but I have the best of both - Incredible slow stall speeds, very well mannered and still a respectible cruise - and easily hauls a very full load.

Ken</HTML>

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2002-02-01 00:18:10

Re: Gap seal kit?

<HTML>Stohl Kit (Fences & Leading edge cuffs & droop-tips) definetly add to slow speed performance if that is what you are looking for. Flap gap seals in my opinion do absolutely nothing except work against you. You add a stohl kit for take off performance which for max take off performance in my 172XP is using 20 degrees of flaps but with the speed kit installed it is working completely against you in tat configuration. I will be taking off the gap seals on my airplane because I use it on floats in the summer months where water take-off peformance is really important.
I owned and flew my 172XP for several years before adding all the above and to be honest if I could do it all over again I would not add the extra 16lbs that it takes away from your usefull load and Live with what cessna had spent several years creating in it's stock configuration.
Just food for thought!

Ron</HTML>

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2009-01-14 11:54:45

Re: Gap seal kit?

I am considering installing the Knots 2U flap gap seal kit and would like to know if anyone obtained the increase in performance claimed in there advertising. (100 fpm climb and 4 MPH)

I have a '63 150C

Thanks