LTL HABMM
Issue 2.0
Page 14
5.2.2
Fabric Repairs
There are various types of fabric repairs for hot air balloon envelopes, the exact type of repair is
often depended on the size of damage or the position of the damage on the envelope. Appendix
B provides a quick reference guide for location of damage on the balloon. It is advisable if
damage is noted that it is clearly marked on the chart in Appendix B and that the balloon is
packed in such a way that damage can be easily found when repairing. This will save
considerable time when locating the damage for repair.
5.2.3
Sticky-Backed, Contact Cement or Silicone Patches
Holes or tears of a diameter less than 75 mm can be repaired using sticky-backed fabric, a
contact cement patch (Standard Fabric) or a silicone patch (Longlife Fabric).
The patch must include a 25 mm overlap around all sides of the damaged portion of fabric. The
recommended method is to place one patch inside the envelope covering the damaged portion
and a second patch on the outside of the envelope so that it covers the first patch precisely.
Note that this repair method may not be employed if the damaged section of fabric extends to
within 25 mm of any load tape or seam.
a)
Contact Cement Patch (Standard Fabric)
A contact cement patch should be cut from matching balloon fabric and may be applied on the
inside or the outside of the envelope making an effort to align the ripstop fabric pattern. The
cement product should be applied to both the patch and the envelope per the adhesive
manufacturer's instructions. The same 25 mm overlap beyond the damaged area as specified
above applies. Any flexible contact cement intended for use on nylon fabric may be used.
b)
Silicone Patch (Longlife Fabric)
Adhesive patches for silicone coated fabric should also be cut from matching fabric and applied
on the inside or outside of the envelope. Any clear non-hardening silicone based adhesive may
be used following the adhesive manufacturer's instructions. Unlike contact cement patches,
silicone adhesive patches need to be compressed by weight until fully cured. Depending on the
adhesive brand curing could require several hours.
5.2.4
Stitched Patch
A hole or damage in a panel of any size can be repaired using a single stitched patch, providing
that the damage is not present on two adjoining panels and does not cross a seam.
The fabric patch must be of the same type of fabric as the panel which is being repaired.
Appropriate thread as detailed in 5.1.1 must be used. The use of non-approved thread and
fabrics are not allowed.
Summary of Contents for Racer 56
Page 47: ...LTL HABMM Issue 2 0 Page C1 4 Figure 2 Overview of Vortech Double Burner ...
Page 48: ...LTL HABMM Issue 2 0 Page C1 5 Figure 3 Load Tape Repairs ...
Page 49: ...LTL HABMM Issue 2 0 Page C1 6 Figure 4 Overlying Tape Repairs ...
Page 50: ...LTL HABMM Issue 2 0 Page C1 7 Figure 5 Envelope Cable Loop Repairs ...
Page 51: ...LTL HABMM Issue 2 0 Page C1 8 Figure 6 Bowline Knot ...