Flight Mechanic

Aircraft Mechanic School Study Supplement for Future Aviation Maintenance Technicians




You are here: Home / Airframe / Aircraft Fabric Covering / Cotton and Fiberglass-Covered Aircraft
Regretfully, Flight-Mechanic will be turning out the lights after fifteen years. Google, in its infinite wisdom, has chosen to remove Flight-Mechanic from its search results (the claim is that the content on this site is spam). We appealed their decision to shut us down, to no avail.

Unfortunately, since Google has a monopoly over internet search, this means that traffic levels on the site will drop to a level that makes maintaining it uneconomic. As time progresses, we will no longer be able to maintain the server space and will remove the site from the internet. Thanks to all who have supported us over the years.

To fight back against the monopolistic practices of companies like Google, we recommend using a competing search engine such as Brave (you get the added benefit of not being spied on by Big Tech) and advocating for anti-trust legislation from your representatives.

Cotton and Fiberglass-Covered Aircraft

Filed Under: Aircraft Fabric Covering

Cotton-Covered Aircraft

You may encounter a cotton fabric-covered aircraft. In addition to other airworthiness criterion, the condition of the fabric under the finished surface is paramount as the cotton can deteriorate even while the aircraft is stored in a hanger. Inspection, in accordance with the manufacturer maintenance manual or AC 43.13-1, should be diligent. If the cotton covering is found to be airworthy, repairs to the fabric can be made under those specifications. This includes sewn-in and doped-in patches, as well as sewn-in and doped-in panel repairs. Due to the very limited number of airworthy aircraft that may still be covered with cotton, this handbook does not cover specific information on re-covering with cotton or cotton fabric maintenance and repair procedures. Refer to AC 43.13-1, Chapter 2, Fabric Covering, which thoroughly addresses these issues.

Fiberglass Coverings

References to fiberglass surfaces in aircraft covering STCs, AC 43.13-1, and other maintenance literature address techniques for finishing and maintaining this kind of surface. However, this is typically limited to fiberglass ray domes and fiberglass reinforced plywood surfaces and parts that are still in service. Use of dope-based processes on fiberglass is well established. Repair and apply coatings and finishes on fiberglass in accordance with manufacturer data, STC instructions, or AC 43.13-1 acceptable practices.

Flight Mechanic Recommends

Rod Machado's Private Pilot Handbook -Flight Literacy recommends Rod Machado's products because he takes what is normally dry and tedious and transforms it with his characteristic humor, helping to keep you engaged and to retain the information longer. (see all of Rod Machado's Products).
   
-->