• Vortex Generators, a how not to do it guide

Posted: **Sat Apr 06, 2019 1:23 pm**

Does anyone know how far back from the leading edge of the wing my Micro Vgs need to be? I have an M 4 220C with the 30â€™8â€ wingspan. My kit has the tail placement tool but not the one for the wing.

Posted: **Sat Apr 06, 2019 6:52 pm**

Read the STC Installation manual

Posted: **Sat Apr 06, 2019 7:25 pm**

Yes, the manual very specifically tells you where to install the wing templates. I would read the manual front to back a few times before starting install.

Posted: **Sat Apr 06, 2019 11:25 pm**

Read the manual and then realize the diagram is is a "Generic Maule Wing" meaning the outboard placement seam might not be where you think it is. If in doubt take a picture and have someone verify the proper placement of the templates BEFORE you start gluing.... Ask me how I know..... It seemed straight forward, so I thought...â€¦

James

Posted: **Sun Apr 07, 2019 11:15 am**

Love the music! Keep in mind the VG mounting is only as strong as your weakest paint layer...

Posted: **Sun Apr 07, 2019 12:02 pm**

Bought my VGâ€™s at Sun N Fun
Next weeks project

Posted: **Mon Apr 08, 2019 9:43 am**

Neither the manual nor the alignment tool were in the box. I contacted Micro and sent them the info they need to send me the manual and tool. Hopefully, the material they send me will answer my question. I've installed some vg's on a Kitfox but I had to calculate the distance from the leasing edge by using a measurement that was a percentage of the wing cord.

I appreciate the help.

Posted: **Mon Apr 08, 2019 4:47 pm**

Yeah, the Maule being certified has a very detailed set of instructions and exact placement of the VGâ€™s. The Kitfox can be done several ways from what I understand.

Posted: **Tue Apr 09, 2019 4:15 am**

I would think that removing the paint before gluing a vortex generator fin would be important to longevity, but I know that isn't easy. Mine were glued before the wings were painted and they've held very well over the last 9 years. If they're glued on top of a layer of paint, then the adhesion strength of the paint could be an issue, especially if it's old. What do others who have added them think?

Posted: **Tue Apr 09, 2019 10:06 am**

I have found a lot of VG's over the years, usually with a failed layer of paint still attached. They make great spares so thanks to everyone who loses them! Mine were installed on a bare wing and I have only lost one from the underside of the tail. The rock took some fabric with it and the new VG is attached to the patch...

Posted: **Thu Apr 11, 2019 2:27 pm**

Iâ€™ve stuck VGs on two Cessnas and a Maule in the past few years. All on top of the paint, and I never had one fall off. Maybe just lucky...