Fabric covering on a light sport plane (Ultralight)

H. Paul Shuch is a Light Sport Repairman with Maintenance ratings for airplanes, gliders, weight shift control, and powered parachutes, as well as an independent Rotax Maintenance Technician at the Heavy Maintenance level. He holds a PhD in Air Transportation Engineering from the University of California, and serves as Director of Maintenance for AvSport of Lock Haven.

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goinggolfn
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Joined: Thu Aug 25, 2016 10:50 am

Fabric covering on a light sport plane (Ultralight)

Post by goinggolfn »

Does anyone know how long the fabric should last on an ultra light? I am thinking of buying a 2006 plane, the fabric is original, thanks for any help.
3Dreaming
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Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 6:13 pm
Location: noble, IL USA

Re: Fabric covering on a light sport plane (Ultralight)

Post by 3Dreaming »

Are you talking painted aircraft fabric, or sail cloth? Painted aircraft fabric should be OK, if it has UV protection and it has been kept inside most of its life. There are plenty of fabric covered light airplanes floating around with cover jobs that were done in the 70's. I think sail cloth from 2006 would be OK too, as long as it has been kept out of the sun light.
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