AirTalk.org Aviation discussions newsgroups   Archives   FAQ   Search   Memberlist   Usergroups   Register   Profile   Log in to check your private messages   Log in  Dacron fabric repairs          AirTalk.org Forum Index -> Light aircraft View previous topic :: View next topic   Author Message Monty Guest Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 3:01 am    Post subject: Dacron fabric repairs Just wondering if there is some literature out there on proper or recommended procedures for repairing the fabric on my ultralight. Any suggestions/pointers/places to read up on the subject? Thanks Back to top Stache Guest Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 5:39 am    Post subject: Re: Dacron fabric repairs Monty wrote: Quote: Just wondering if there is some literature out there on proper or recommended procedures for repairing the fabric on my ultralight. Any suggestions/pointers/places to read up on the subject? Thanks The procedures in AC 43.13-1B are the recommended practices. This AC can be found on the FAA web page http://www.faa.gov and search for AC's then type in AC 43.13-1b. Stache Back to top rswan19 Guest Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 6:12 am    Post subject: Re: Dacron fabric repairs http://www.polyfiber.com/techquestions/fabricrepairs/index.htm "Monty" <dale.schmitz (AT) offutt (DOT) af.mil> wrote in message news:1161295296.480845.90190 (AT) i3g2000cwc (DOT) googlegroups.com... Quote: Just wondering if there is some literature out there on proper or recommended procedures for repairing the fabric on my ultralight. Any suggestions/pointers/places to read up on the subject? Thanks Back to top Monty Guest Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 7:30 pm    Post subject: Re: Dacron fabric repairs Thanks, good reading in both replies, but I am left with a lingering question: I don't believe the fabric is coated with anything or has been heat-shrunk. It appears to be a simple case of a sewn together 'bag' that is stretched tight by the internal structure and bracing. The ultralight is an old Mirage made by Ultralight Flight and they're no long in business, so I can't contact the manufacturer to get recommendations from them. Using some of the dimensional guidelines in the FAA circular, can I assume that I hand- or machine-sew on a patch of the same material? Thanks Back to top Duncan Macdonald Guest Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 9:07 pm    Post subject: Re: Dacron fabric repairs Before you do - check the fabric elsewhere on the aircraft. Push on it with a finger reasonably hard - if it tears or leaves a permanent depression after removing the finger then the fabric needs replacing - not repairing. Remember your life depends on this fabric. If the fabric has been properly treated with UV protection and the plane has been kept in a hanger then the Dacron might last for 20 years - untreated and kept in the open it might not last 2 years. "Monty" <dale.schmitz (AT) offutt (DOT) af.mil> wrote in message news:1161441012.590808.198260 (AT) m7g2000cwm (DOT) googlegroups.com... Quote: Thanks, good reading in both replies, but I am left with a lingering question: I don't believe the fabric is coated with anything or has been heat-shrunk. It appears to be a simple case of a sewn together 'bag' that is stretched tight by the internal structure and bracing. The ultralight is an old Mirage made by Ultralight Flight and they're no long in business, so I can't contact the manufacturer to get recommendations from them. Using some of the dimensional guidelines in the FAA circular, can I assume that I hand- or machine-sew on a patch of the same material? Thanks Back to top yogi22 Guest Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 9:36 pm    Post subject: Re: Dacron fabric repairs Monty wrote: Quote: Thanks, good reading in both replies, but I am left with a lingering question: I don't believe the fabric is coated with anything or has been heat-shrunk. It appears to be a simple case of a sewn together 'bag' that is stretched tight by the internal structure and bracing. The ultralight is an old Mirage made by Ultralight Flight and they're no long in business, so I can't contact the manufacturer to get recommendations from them. Using some of the dimensional guidelines in the FAA circular, can I assume that I hand- or machine-sew on a patch of the same material? Thanks I have handsewn patches (sometimes reinforced with epoxy) with success. However, if this material is old (or even if it's not), you should test its strength before possibly wasting your time on a repair that will fail, or taking flight in an unairworthy "airborne recreational vehicle". If you don't have a tester** (you should), punch the most faded fabric as hard as you can with your third finger knuckle projecting from your fist. If you don't break the fabric with this test, breathe a sigh of relief, it is safe to repair. If you do break the fabric with this test, breathe a sigh of relief that its failure occurred in the hangar, not in the air! For sure, your fabric will have been preshrunk before it was sewn. Using pre-shrunk dacron (sailcloth) was the original (and lightest) way of covering ultralights. The disadvantages of this light weight approach are that you can't recover your aircraft yourself, and that the fabric is not protected from UV, and WILL degrade, especially if not hangared. Getting new sails made can be a problem. I recommend you try Mark Smith <http://www.trikite.com/>. You can try recovering an ultralight with conventional methods. The advantages are that you can do it yourself, and that the fabric will look better tight and painted, and it will last a lot longer. The disadvantages are added weight, and it is likely that the shrinking process will distort the ultralight's flimsy frame, as it was not designed to resist the incredible forces generated by heat-shrinking dacron. ** From an old L.E.A.F. catalogue #60100 $49.95 kk Back to top Monty Guest Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:07 am    Post subject: Re: Dacron fabric repairs Ok, lots of good stuff in this post. I thank you all. I don't believe the fabric is degraded to the point it would fail a punch test, but I will give it the knuckle test to be sure. Having read no major objections, I'm thinking I can hand sew (using the guidelines and procedures in the AC) a patch of preshrunk dacron (from a reputable source) over the affected area. Thanks again! 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