Zlin Aviation
Section 2
Maintenance Manual Line Maintenance, Repairs and Alterations
Issued: 01/02/2006
QAP-AMM-Rev02
Date of latest Revision: 23/01/2013
Page Number: 2-11
2.3.3.3 REPAIR OF MINOR FABRIC DAMAGES
APPROVED FABRIC REPAIR MATERIALS
Description
Supplier
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
Local Supplier
Poly-Fiber
Poly-Fiber Aircraft Coating
Poly-Tak
Poly-Fiber Aircraft Coating
Poly-Brush
Poly-Fiber Aircraft Coating
Poly-Spray
Poly-Fiber Aircraft Coating
Flat Rib Lace Cord
Poly-Fiber Aircraft Coating
LOCTITE
Depend 330 Adhesive
Local Supplier
INSPECTION OF FABRIC
The polyester fabric used is very durable and its longevity depends on maintaining the coating in good shape.
Ultraviolet radiation (in other words, direct sunlight) is the main cause of deterioration of the fabric. The
fabric is treated at the factory to protect it from this type of radiation.
The fabric covering meets the requirements of TSO C-15d/AMS which stipulates that the minimum breaking
strength of the fabric should be at least 56 lbs. Testing fabric requires skill and experience and should only
be performed by a qualified person who has experience in this matter.
The aircraft has been covered using a process that is proprietary to Zlin Aviation sro. It is similar to the Poly-
Fiber Aircraft coating process, more commonly referred to as the Stits method.
FABRIC REPAIRS
The decision to repair damage on the fabric or whether to replace the covering on the part will depend upon
the extent of the damage and should take into account the aesthetics of the repair. These repairs require the
use of an iron to shrink the fabric. It is very important that only a good quality clothing iron be used.
SIZE OF REPAIR AREA
If the length of the damaged area is 8 inches or more, the patch must overlap the old fabric by at least 2
inches. Repairs longer than 8 inches require at least a 2 inch wide finishing tape over the seams. These tapes
should be centered over the seam of the patch.
If the length of the damaged area is less than 8 inches in length, the patch must overlap the old fabric by at
least 1 inch. Finishing tapes are not required over the glued seams unless the patch is on top of the wing.
For small fabric repairs such as stick or stone damage, where the holes are ½ inch long or less, a patch of
already doped and painted fabric with the edges pinked can be used. An overlap of at least ½ inch of patch
material over ½ inch of old fabric on all sides is required and it must be secured with Loctite Depend 330
Adhesive or a suitable equivalent.
