Fabric Covering Test

[PANS]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your clarifying info. I just downloaded the FAA document.

You know, my Kitfox 5 received a new dacron covering 7 years ago, it was applied the silver UV protection and it was always hangared. So everything looks ok. My point is that it suffered too easily, in my point of view, a damage (small hole) in the upper part of the wing. As it was not me that covered the plane, I am a little bit concerned about it.... maybe too much, but safety is safety.

I will study the material and find a way to test the fabric. You helped a lot!

Thanks again!

[Dave S]

Marcio,

Maybe an addittional item to consider. Regarding the small hole in the upper part of the wing......might be worth thinking about how it occurred.

For what it is worth, I embarrassed myself by dropping a screwdriver, point first of course, when I was doing a condition inspection - so I ended up with a puncture hole......since it was a sharp object - didn't take much to penetrate so I glued a grommet on the bottom and called it a "drain hole"...made another one on the other side so it didn't look like a mistake

There is a huge difference between a sharp edge or point contacting the fabric and a blunt object - fabric can't take much from a sharp object...if the small hole in the upper part of the wing was made by a blunt object or a sharp object - I would evaluate it differently. If the hole was made by a smooth object that's a concern, while I'd expect a sharp object to easily make a hole on good fabric.

Take care & let us know what you find out. You are right - good to be sure.

[Norm]

Hi Marcio
I was out today flying my newly rebuilt KitFox and just got a chance to check posts. Dave pretty much covered all the info your after. Not much for me to add. You can search the net and youtube to get more info. I think I saw someone using a tester on one video. Do a search and you will find a lot of info. The fabric may be only 7yrs old but how much time did it spend outside?
Make sure you are safe.
BTW a local club has a tester you could borrow.

[avidflyer]

Here is a link to fabric testing and such that may ease your mind. Personally, if the fabric/finish looks good and it's spent nearly all of the last 7 years hangared I probably wouldn't worry about it. JImChuk
http://eaaforums.org/archive/index.php/t-4447.html

[PANS]

Thank you all, guys!

By the way, I talked also with Mr John McBean (kitfox Aircraft) and he suggested me to use the Polyfiber Manual as a reference for testing.
Any of you has this Polyfiber Manual? I couldnt find it in the net.

Thanks again,

Marcio

[Dave S]

Marcio,

I don't know if John has this book - I don't see it in the kitfox catalog; however, If you go to the polyfiber website, they sell it for $10 US + shipping and handling.

Here is the link to the page - the book is titled "how to cover an aircraft with the polyfiber system" I can verify that the book is excellent, extremely practical and thorough. I have one but I think I'll keep it

http://www.polyfiber.com/info/index.htm

The PF website also has a list of US and international dealers - Argentina may be an easier buy for you.