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Questions and Answers
In areas of critical airflow, how much fabric overlap seam is typically required when joining fabric ends?
In areas of critical airflow, how much fabric overlap seam is typically required when joining fabric ends?
Where are fabric seams usually made on high wing aircraft for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance?
Where are fabric seams usually made on high wing aircraft for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance?
What type of seams are preferable in relation to the line of flight?
What type of seams are preferable in relation to the line of flight?
When closing an envelope at certain locations, how should machine-sewn seams be stitched?
When closing an envelope at certain locations, how should machine-sewn seams be stitched?
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Why should thick or protruding leading edge sewn seams be avoided on thin airfoils with a sharp leading edge radius?
Why should thick or protruding leading edge sewn seams be avoided on thin airfoils with a sharp leading edge radius?
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Which factor should be considered when deciding where to overlap fabric for coverage during the blanket method?
Which factor should be considered when deciding where to overlap fabric for coverage during the blanket method?
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What is used to drain each rib bay of the wings?
What is used to drain each rib bay of the wings?
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What are sometimes approved in reinforced fabric instead of drain holes with grommets?
What are sometimes approved in reinforced fabric instead of drain holes with grommets?
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What should gussets made to keep protrusions from coming through the fabric do?
What should gussets made to keep protrusions from coming through the fabric do?
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What are used to reinforce cable guide openings, strut-attach fitting areas, and similar features in the fabric covering?
What are used to reinforce cable guide openings, strut-attach fitting areas, and similar features in the fabric covering?
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How should gusset material be installed according to most processes?
How should gusset material be installed according to most processes?
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What should be used to support the original opening made in the covering fabric?
What should be used to support the original opening made in the covering fabric?
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What should be the maximum interval between space notches?
What should be the maximum interval between space notches?
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For tape less than 3 inches wide, what fraction of the tape width should the notches be?
For tape less than 3 inches wide, what fraction of the tape width should the notches be?
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Why are space notches used in the tape?
Why are space notches used in the tape?
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What effect does a loose tape have on a fixed surface?
What effect does a loose tape have on a fixed surface?
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How should spanwise-sewn seams on a wing's upper or lower surfaces be covered?
How should spanwise-sewn seams on a wing's upper or lower surfaces be covered?
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Where can chordwise seams be located?
Where can chordwise seams be located?
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How wide should the finishing tape be for an overlapped and doped seam on a wing's leading edge?
How wide should the finishing tape be for an overlapped and doped seam on a wing's leading edge?
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What is the minimum overlap required for an overlapped and doped seam at the trailing edge?
What is the minimum overlap required for an overlapped and doped seam at the trailing edge?
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What is the recommended width of the pinked-edge surface tape for a trailing edge seam?
What is the recommended width of the pinked-edge surface tape for a trailing edge seam?
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How wide should the finishing tape be for a seam on wingtips, wing butts, perimeters of wing control surfaces, and perimeters of empennage surfaces?
How wide should the finishing tape be for a seam on wingtips, wing butts, perimeters of wing control surfaces, and perimeters of empennage surfaces?
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What is the minimum overlap required for a seam on wingtips, wing butts, perimeters of wing control surfaces, and perimeters of empennage surfaces?
What is the minimum overlap required for a seam on wingtips, wing butts, perimeters of wing control surfaces, and perimeters of empennage surfaces?
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What is the overlap requirement for a seam on the perimeter of a wing (except a leading edge) on aircraft with a VNE speed up to and including 150 mph?
What is the overlap requirement for a seam on the perimeter of a wing (except a leading edge) on aircraft with a VNE speed up to and including 150 mph?
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What must be done before attaching any fasteners to hold the fabric to the rib caps?
What must be done before attaching any fasteners to hold the fabric to the rib caps?
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Why is it important to use approved rib lacing cord when attaching fabric to the ribs?
Why is it important to use approved rib lacing cord when attaching fabric to the ribs?
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What is the purpose of the rib lacing cord passing completely through the wing from upper surface to lower surface?
What is the purpose of the rib lacing cord passing completely through the wing from upper surface to lower surface?
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Why are holes pre-punched through the skin close to the rib caps for rib lacing?
Why are holes pre-punched through the skin close to the rib caps for rib lacing?
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What kind of cord is used for rib lacing, according to the text?
What kind of cord is used for rib lacing, according to the text?
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Why should care be taken to eliminate sharp edges before following the wing rib lacing methodology?
Why should care be taken to eliminate sharp edges before following the wing rib lacing methodology?
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Study Notes
Critical Airflow and Fabric Seams
- Fabric overlap seam of typically at least 2 inches is required when joining fabric ends in areas of critical airflow.
- Seams are usually made on the upper surface of high wing aircraft for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Seam types that run parallel to the line of flight are preferable to reduce drag and improve performance.
Machine-Sewn Seams
- When closing an envelope, machine-sewn seams should be stitched in a manner ensuring no gaps, particularly under tension.
- Thick or protruding leading edge sewn seams should be avoided on thin airfoils to maintain aerodynamic efficiency and prevent turbulence.
Fabric Overlapping and Drainage
- Overlapping fabric for coverage during the blanket method should consider potential movement and airflow patterns.
- Each rib bay of the wings is drained using drain holes, typically fitted with grommets.
- Some designs may instead use reinforced fabric panels instead of traditional drain holes.
Gussets and Reinforcements
- Gussets should be made to prevent protrusions from breaking the surface of the fabric, ensuring a smooth finish.
- Reinforcements are used around cable guide openings, strut-attach fittings, and other key areas in the fabric covering to withstand stress.
Installation of Gusset Material
- Gusset material should be installed according to standardized processes to maintain structural integrity.
- Support should be provided for any original openings made in the covering fabric to avoid tearing.
Space Notches and Tape Usage
- The maximum interval between space notches should not exceed 6 inches to ensure effective adhesion.
- For tape less than 3 inches wide, notches should be spaced at 1/3 the width of the tape.
- Space notches are employed to facilitate proper adhesion of tape to surfaces, allowing for natural expansion or contraction.
Effects of Loose Tape
- A loose tape may cause instability and ineffective sealing on fixed surfaces, leading to potential fabric failure.
- Spanwise-sewn seams on a wing's surfaces should be covered with tape to provide uniformity and stability.
Seams and Tapes Specifications
- Chordwise seams can be located at various points along the wing and should meet specified fabric regulations.
- Finishing tape for overlapped and doped seams on the wing's leading edge should be at least 2 inches wide.
- Minimum overlap for a trailing edge seam should be 1 inch; the recommended width of pinked-edge surface tape is 1 inch for trailing edges.
Wing Perimeters and Overlaps
- Finishing tape on wing tips, butts, control surfaces, and empennage perimeters should be a minimum of 1.5 inches wide.
- Minimum overlap for these seams should also be at least 1 inch.
- For aircraft with a VNE speed up to and including 150 mph, the perimeter of the wing (except leading edge) should have a minimum overlap of 3 inches.
Rib Lacing and Fastener Attachment
- Before attaching fasteners to the rib caps, ensure the fabric is correctly positioned to avoid misalignment.
- The use of approved rib lacing cord is crucial for structural integrity, allowing for a secure hold on the ribs.
- Rib lacing cord must pass completely through the wing from upper to lower surfaces to ensure proper tension and support.
- Pre-punched holes through the skin near rib caps facilitate effective rib lacing and alignment.
Safety and Methodology
- The type of cord used for rib lacing should be a strong, approved material to avoid wear and breakage.
- Sharp edges should be eliminated to prevent damage to the fabric during the wing rib lacing process, ensuring longevity and performance.
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Description
Test your knowledge on doped seams and fabric overlaps in aircraft construction. Learn about the correct techniques for creating overlapped and doped span-wise seams on both the leading and trailing edges of a wing.