Return-Path: Received: from smtp1.gateway.net ([208.230.117.245]) by truman.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.1 release 219 ID# 0-52269U2500L250S0V35) with ESMTP id com for ; Thu, 7 Oct 1999 01:39:43 -0400 Received: from oemcomputer (1Cust213.tnt1.coeur-dalene.id.da.uu.net [63.27.107.213]) by smtp1.gateway.net (8.9.3/8.9.3) with SMTP id BAA14931 for ; Thu, 7 Oct 1999 01:43:34 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <000901bf1087$34be9d80$d56b1b3f@oemcomputer> Reply-To: "dfs" From: "dfs" To: "Lancair List" Subject: zigzag tape Date: Wed, 6 Oct 1999 22:44:41 -0700 X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com Mime-Version: 1.0 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> I installed the subject tape several years ago and here's my experience. First, I wanted to know if there was really any advantage to be gained from sticking the stuff on my airplane. At the time, the only person I had heard of who had installed it was Dave Morse - on the two place Lancair he was using at that time to fly an aerobatic routine at air shows. (Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to see Dave do his thing - but I've been told it was pretty exciting)! I called Dave to get his input on the tape and the first thing he mentioned was that as long as I was flying behind a fixed-pitch prop, I probably wouldn't see a thing different. He was right. However, he did give me the information about how to stick it on since I was determined (plus the fact that I had already bought the package) to use it. When I finally got around to installing a constant speed prop, the tape was already on so I have no basis for comparison, e.g., before and after - and there was no way to differentiate between the new prop and the influence of the tape. I hesitate to relate the installation parameters I used as it may be positioned incorrectly, resulting in the lack of cruise improvement noted. One thing I will say is that it sure is hard to get the wing cleaned nicely around the sharp edges of the zig-zag - particularly on the bottom of the fuselage where the oil, dirt and exhaust are so hard to get off anyway. All I can say for sure is the stuff doesn't seem to have caused me any material problems but I can't vouch for any gains. Dan Schaefer >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html