Oratex is like Yoga Pants

[BDA]

Was the discoloration glue that went outside the lines?

The glue always turnes yellow, gotta keep it covered.

[FlyerChief]

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Easy Oratex Glue Cleanup!

This not only works well before heating, it also works after the glue is heat set!

A crepe block worked well for me on the Stewart System on Aerial One, so I thought I would try it on the Oratex on Aerial Two.
It not only worked... it worked very well!!!

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Check out this video to see how quick and easy it is to clean up the dried glue...
https://youtu.be/vQDRQvY5Uyk

It would be interesting to see if this works on a plane that has been flying for a while but still has some dried glue spots on it.
-Dan

[BucF16]

Thanks! How is it going up there Dan?

[FlyerChief]

Hi Bruce,
Things are progressing on Aerial Two, but there's still a long way to go. I'm trying to take at least 50 lb. off the weight of this one, but with the Covid-19 lockdown, I'm not getting out much and I think I have put 15 lb. on myself. It's a bit of a losing battle, but I suppose there's time to take it off again.
At least the new Highlander build is keeping me busy and figuring out this Oratex has been a real learning experience compared to Stewarts and other methods.

I have been planning a factory trip for almost a year now but there's no chance until I have had the vaccine and this pandemic is under control in the USA. It's a bummer being in the high risk senior citizen group.
I trust all is well there with you and yours,
Dan

[CanadianSheepHunter]

Superstol wing, single wrap with fabric gap in flap cove and overlap in Aileron cove. Done solo.

[CanadianSheepHunter]

Fabric seam in flap and Aileron cove

[BDA]

Very nice!
How long did it take to cover each wing, start to finish?

[CanadianSheepHunter]

I have only covered one, I would have to add the hours up but I spent a week from the time I started scuffing it, but I did install anti chaffe tapes on the ribs which took extra time. And also installed the fuel tank lid riv nuts in that week.

[BDA]

Oratex is awesome!!

My door came off in flight yesterday, all I could think about while it was thrashing about hanging by the shock was that it was going to shred the fabric and take out my tail.

All is good though! The fabric has a depresion that needs to be shrunk out by the door, and a small ding in the tail. No major damage, I have no doubt that reg fabric would have torn open.

[Meatball]

Oratex is awesome!!

My door came off in flight yesterday, HOW?!?!?!?!all I could think about while it was thrashing about hanging by the shock was that it was going to shred the fabric and take out my tail.

All is good though! The fabric has a depresion that needs to be shrunk out by the door, and a small ding in the tail. No major damage, I have no doubt that reg fabric would have torn open.

[BDA]

Well Rob
I must be hitting the latch with my leg when working the rudder pedals so it popped open, no big deal, happens alot.

But this time there was nasty Xwind and I was climbing, so for some reason it started to flap open/closed at crackhead humming bird speed- think flutter but BIG.

Rivets just couldnt take it
So bye bye

[SheepdogRD]

Was the mangled remnant reusable after its first solo?

[Meatball]

Well, thats a bummer. I'll keep that in mind before opening my doors if I ever get in the air with this thing.

[BDA]

Richard, yes I think I can save it, a little bent with a big scar, but it will work.

Meatball,it has come open on me many times, never done that before, I think it was the combination of climbing and crazy X-wind, at one point I was able to use rudder to stop the madness, but when I straightened out to land is when it finaly came off.
I will def use a latch “stop” from now on, dont leave home without it boys and girls.

[BDA]

Door sill w latch stop