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  How to use FliteskinTM

    FliteskinTM can be attached to a balsa or ply frame in 3 different ways: 

    1. For structural applications: GorillaTM  Polyurethane glue

    2. Aviation grade contact cement like Pliobond

    3. For Non structural applications: slow curing CA (Cyano) glue suitable for fiberglass and plastics such as Loctite 40104 Prism.

    * Always sand the areas with 80/100 grit or similar.

 

  Application on framed wings: 

  1. Un-roll the  FliteskinTM sheet in a clean table or building board.

  2. Position sheets over the plans to determine material needed.

  3. Sand the entire wing top with a long T sand paper to make sure all ribs are even.

  4. Using sharp knife (box cutter) and straight edge, cut the sheet so it overlaps 1/4" to 1/2" (6,5mm to 12,5mm) over the leading edge and wing tips.

  5. Position the skin in place over the wing (dry) and pin trough the skin in 2 or 3 places on the Leading edge, if covering a fuselage, over a supporting stringer. These will be the positioning guides.

 

 

   6. While positioned on the surface, mark where the ribs, stringers and edges are located so you know where to sand.

    7. Next remove skin from frame and sand with rough sand paper 80/100 over those areas

      specially the leading edge.

   8. Apply thin bids of Polyurethane Gorilla glue only to the ribs, spars, etc. You will have about 15 minutes before glue starts to foam.

   9. After positioning the skin in place using the pin holes previously made as a guide, place as many pins over the leading edge as possible

       making  sure the entire leading edge is tight against the wood. See pictures below.

     10. Stack layers of soft magazines or paper reams over the entire wing.  This work very well  to ensure the skin conforms to the frame.

                                                       DO NOT USE WEIGHTS

  10. As shown in the pictures below, a few additional thumb tacks were placed over a few ribs. These sometimes are needed to help with the

        curvature of the wing.

   

    11. After both Top and Bottom are sheeted you will fiberglass the Leading edge and wing tips using  strips of glass cloth and resin.   

 

    12. Use masking tape to define the leading edge along the wing. Spray the L.E. with a light coat of 3M77 and position the fiberglass

       cloth in place. Brush two coats of finishing resin and let it set.

    13. Once resin has set, trim the L.E with sharp knife using the masking tape as reference.

.

 

  Application on foam wings:

     Sheeting foam wings with FliteskinTM is so simple and the results are so great that after the first use, you'll never go back to the long and messy  process of sheeting with balsa, fiberglass and resin.     

      It should be glued directly to foam cores using Gorilla Glue which is safe on foam.

 

1.     Prepare the foam cores as you would for balsa sheeting (cut channels, install spars, etc).

2.     Install leading edges and wing tips. Sand even with the surface of the foam.

3.     Using a metal ruler and a hobby knife, cut the pieces of FliteskinTM to fit the core (top & bottom) with an extra 1/4" or so to cover Leading edge and/or tips. It takes about 4 or 5 scores of the blade to cut through the sheet, alternating both sides of the blade works best.  FliteskinTM can also be cut with scissors but the ruler and knife method assures a straight line cut over the plans.   You can choose to add the leading edge and wing tip after sheeting is completed but the first option facilitates fiber glassing.

4.     With a little experience you can glue top and bottom skins at once; lay both pieces of sheeting flat on the table (trailing edge   to trailing edge) and join with masking tape on the outside surface.

5.     Spread the glue evenly with trowel, creating a THIN film over the COMPLETE surface of the skins. Do not apply glue to the cores. Allow a thicker coat on the edges to assure a good bond and lay over the foam core.

6.     Place assembly inside the foam cradle placing a flat board on top with enough weight to keep from lifting.

7.     Once the assembly dries, it will be very rigid and strong. Now you can cover the leading edges and wing tips with a strip of glass cloth.

8.     Ailerons and elevators can be cut and hinged using balsa blocks.

DO NOT apply HOT IRON directly to Fliteskin

 

                     
 
     Frequently asked questions:
	1. Is Fliteskin epoxy based? Yes, epoxy resin is the main ingredient in the sheets.  
	2. Is Fliteskin capable of accommodating compound curves?  No. It is restricted single curves
	3. Why polyurethane glue? The expansion of the polyurethane glue increases the area of contact and it works well on
	    wood frames. 
	4. What is the best technique to cover leading edges (L.E.)? Once you have the top and bottom of the wing are covered, the exposed L.E. 
	   should be covered with a strip of fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin as described above.
	5. Can it be used to cover foam wings?  If you are covering foam wings, spread the glue with a trowel. 
	   A trowel will allow only thin strips of glue and prevent  too much expansion.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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