The shift from fabric to composite patching over 15 years

I remember when fabric patches on Cessnas were the norm back in 2008, now I see everyone moving to pre-cured composite patches for faster turnaround. Is the old dope and fabric method just too slow for the modern maintenance cycle?

2 comments

2 Comments

barbara_baker5728d ago

Not everyone's convinced the composite stuff is better. Some old timers still swear by dope and fabric for longer lasting repairs, especially on smaller planes that don't see heavy use. The chemicals might be slower but they're proven, and that pre-cured stuff can have bonding issues if you don't get it absolutely perfect.

lucaslee28d agoTop Commenter

Yeah I get where you're coming from @barbara_baker57 but I gotta disagree a bit on that one. Dope and fabric has its place sure but I've seen too many small planes with peeling edges or moisture getting trapped under the fabric after a few seasons. The prep work on those old systems is just as finicky if not more so, you have to stretch it perfect or it sags and you're redoing it in two years. Plus that pre-cured composite stuff, yeah bonding can be tricky but if you scuff it right and use the proper primers it holds up way better on the control surfaces where the dope fabric tends to flake off first. I had a buddy redo his J-3 wingtips with the new stuff and they're still tight after five winters while his fuselage fabric is already showing wear.