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How can one take a ONE word answer to the question... "will the punch test
tell how much longer the fabric will last?" and turn it into replace the
fabric is beyond me!
--
Cy Galley - Chair,
Air Emergency Aircraft Repair
A Service Project of Chapter 75
EAA Safety Programs Editor - TC
EAA Sport Pilot
<tes@test.com> wrote in message news:TdadnY7uVoh3pdreRVn-pg@comcast.com...
>
>
> Ernest Christley wrote:
>> Michael Horowitz wrote:
>>
>>> the punch test on fabric... are the results a go/no-go decision, or
>>> can an A&P make a determination as to how long the covering will last
>>> based on the test? - Mike
>>
>>
>> Mike, I have not read RAH in a few days, and I am just now catching up, but
>> your question has drawn a emphatic response from Jim Weir, R.S. Hoover,
>> AND Cy Galley that you should replace the fabric.
>>
>> I have been reading this group for a while now, and think I've learned
>> who knows what they're talking about and who might blow a little smoke
>> now and then. I'd have to say that this is a unique situation. Dude,
>> if you value your hide, you better ground that plane until the fabric is
>> replaced no matter how much it cost.
>>
> Just because the fabric is 25 years old does not mean that it needs
> replacement.
> It means that it needs a good close inspection, which includes punch
> testing.
> Is the dope cracked anywhere? Anywhere there is a crack there could be UV
> damage.
> Check for ringworm, pretty much the same thing as cracking. Get inside it
> on a bright day and see where the light comes through the fabric.
> Look for loose spots where the glue may have come loose. Squeeze the
> training edges of the control surfaces and see if there is any
> crunchyness. That will indicate corrosion.
> Discoloration of the dope along metal parts will indicate rust.
>
> If it all seems good, buy it with the understanding that it may need
> recovering in the next few years and the price should reflect that.
>
> But like all old aircraft, it's not so much age but condition.
>
>
> Dave
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Re: Punch test?
