Wing fabric reinforcement question

[shipljl]

I have a question about the wing covering and am hoping that you who have gone before me can help. I am covering my wings with the envelope method using Stewart Systems. Since there is no fabric seam (overlap or otherwise) going along the leading edge, do I need to do any reinforcement along the leading edge? The quote below from AC43 would seem to say that I should put a full length strip from root to tip along the leading edge metal edge, top and bottom. What do you think?

AC43.13 chapter 2 says:
"Installation of finishing tapes for additional wear resistance is recommended over the edges of all fabric forming structures. this includes fuselage stringers, longerons, leading and trailing edges ...

[Ryan]

Re: Wing fabric reinforcement question

Just did mine, I did put one on mine wich are covered with envelopes. My envelopes had a stictched out towards the wing tip. I felt it looked better and everyone that i had seen had one. I also felt it made the tapes for the ribs and the false ribs that I carried around the leading edge look nicer. Just my opinion of course.

[Ray]

Re: Wing fabric reinforcement question

I just completed mine about 3 months ago using the poly fiber envelope and yes putting the leading edge tape is a must, in my opinion, as it completes the look and offers protection from things that will always hit it.

[N96337]

Re: Wing fabric reinforcement question

Yup...all of the above. Put a tape on there, it's just more reinforcement for the most abused part of the wing.
John

[astjp2]

Re: Wing fabric reinforcement question

You need to comply with what the Stewart manual says, no matter what 43.13 or anyone else says, if the manual says to follow 43.13 procedures then you need to follow 43.13. If you dont follow the manual to the letter, you wont be in compliance with the STC. Tim

[Robert Lees]

Re: Wing fabric reinforcement question

Tim beat me to it. Follow the STC process to the letter.

(I hate envelopes anyway, but that's just me.)

[Ray]

Re: Wing fabric reinforcement question

You know, I have been working on this tcraft of mine for almost 2 years now and the guys that say they dont care for the envelopes are usually the ones that have never tried it. I have heard the usual excuses like its hard to put on or " I dont like the extra seams you see between the ribs ( usually 2 ), it's not the way they did it in 1946" and several others but I can tell you this, I did this all by myself with no others helping me get the covering sliped on and it was the easiest I have ever done and yes I have done it the hard way or what I consider the hard way. Most people who look at it are amazed at how well it looks and when I tell them it was an envelope they are amazed at it. The fuse envelope is amazing as well everything lined up perfectly not to mention the time I save doing it all at once. If you cant tell I'm an envelope fan. Follow the STC as I have always done with the poly fiber system and dont change anything, use the paint and all the products they reccommend.

[Ray36048]

Re: Wing fabric reinforcement question

Envelopes are great, if they fit right. Too loose, you have to cut the seam. Too tight, they will not go on. If they are loose, just because they shrink tight, does not mean you have the correct tension on the fabric.

[NY86]

Re: Wing fabric reinforcement question

Well, just goes to show, you can do it one Ray or the other...

[Howard Wilson]

Re: Wing fabric reinforcement question

Well, just goes to show, you can do it one Ray or the other...

[Ray]

Re: Wing fabric reinforcement question

Thats to funny