Stabilator Fairing

[saddler]

What did you guys do, if anything, as a fairing around the leading edge and bottom of the stabilators where they meet the fuselage skin? I've seen John Monnet's video about using plumbers putty to fair the leading edge of a sonex tail I this same area. I think I read somewhere that somebody uses the Van's wing gap seal in that area. That is the way I am leaning but was just curious if somebody had a better or different idea?

Thanks!

[kmacht]

I used the plumbers putty like described in the video. I was skeptical at first but it could be easily sanded and made a perfect small fairing. The paint even covered and stuck to it well. It has been on there three years and still looks like the day I applied it.

Keith
#554

[aferddaberts]

Could you fill me in on the plumber's putty mentioned in your article ? What is the brand name and can it be bought at a place like Home Depot ?

Thanks

AL Roberts

[saddler]

Here is John's video describing this method.

http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=870261092001

[kmacht]

It is not the flexible stuff you use to seal around sinks and drains. The putty you use is actually a 2 part epoxy made for sealing leaks. It comes as a stick. One part is on the outside of the stick and the other is on the inside. You cut off a piece and kneaded it until it is mixed. You have to work quick as it only takes 5 or 10 minutes to harden. A wet finger works great to smooth it out. I bought mine at Home Depot next to the plumbing solder.

Keith
#554

[ScottM-Sonex1629]

Does this type of fairing help with smoothing out the airflow between the stab and fuselage, or is it mostly for aesthetics? I thought about doing this on my Sonex, but with my "red tail squadron" paint/polish scheme it would be a challenge to do.