Procedure No. AT 101 – F Rev. 4 Original Issue Date: September 19, 1989 Date: 8/1/91 Page 1 of 3 PROCEDURE FOR INSTALLING POLYESTER FABRIC If fabric installation is being tried the first time, build a test panel. The process is not difficult but gaining familiarity with it via covering a test panel just makes good sense. The test panel must have the fabric installed, shrunk to fit and coated with the primer using the procedures herein. The best order for covering the aircraft components is to start with a small part such as an elevator; proceed then to larger parts then to wings and fuselage last.
All components must be completed though the primer/filler/UV barrier step and ready for the pigmented coats which can then be mixed only once to ensure color control. The covering of the wing will be explained as most everything will be dealt with which will be encountered on other assemblies. After the wing the fuselage assembly will be discussed as there are some special considerations for that member. Much time will be saved if one prepares a jig which will attach one end to the wing spar fittings and allow rotation of the wing as the work is being accomplished. The other end of the wing can be supported on a padded sawhorse.
Refer to the old fabric and original manufacturer specifications for guidance. A photo and simple sketch must be made of the structure and notes kept. I. Wing Installation Mount the wing in the fixture and inspect the structure very carefully. The inter-rib bracing must all be in place and properly secured; wiring must be in good condition, properly routed and secured. Control cables must be routed properly and secured. Note the position of all as the rib stitch placement and spacing need to be coordinated with them. Bell-cranks must be inspected and lubricated as necessary.
Remember compliance with original manufacturer specifications and/or FAA AC 43.13 – 1A is mandatory for any repair or modification. Some recommend the use of pre-sewn envelopes which are tailor made for each aircraft. These envelopes are OK but with the wide polyester fabric and the reliable adhesives now employed the blanket method of covering is recommended. It is easier to work with the one ply of material on each side of a surface than to wrestle with an envelope attempting to keep seams straight and in the proper relationship. Option 1:
Fabric is Wide Enough to Wrap Around Both Leading and Trailing Edges Cut two fabric lengths wide enough to completely wrap around one side of the wing over both the leading and trailing edges. Cover any sharp metal protrusions with chafing tape. The leading edge and trailing edge of the wing must be coated with two thinned coats of adhesive (2 parts of RA 4000 Rev. 3 adhesive reducer to 1 part UA55 Rev. 1 adhesive) and each must be allowed to dry for 5 minutes. Coat the top of