Stabilator question

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zadwit

Stabilator question

Post by zadwit »

So how much did the Oratex cost to cover the stabilator????
zadwit

Re: Stabilator question

Post by zadwit »

I read someplace Oratex cost $75 a square foot..... don't know what Stits cost a square foot to cover.
Oratex is really nice. I have seen it on a few ultralights and it looks like very quick to install and very durable so says the guy with it on his Challenger ultralight. I like everything about it but the cost makes me nervous,,,
cossitt.alan

Re: Stabilator question

Post by cossitt.alan »

Wow, hope that is per square yard (or more). At $75/foot I could use gold
leaf and pay less ;)
zadwit

Re: Stabilator question

Post by zadwit »

I got it wrong, it is per square yard! Sorry.

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mkoxxy

Re: Stabilator question

Post by mkoxxy »

Yes, Oratex is more expensive per square yard than other covering methods
(short of gold foil). But there is no priming and painting involved, and no
toxic fumes (in fact, no smell at all). All considered, the cost is not
that much higher. And the glue/material is very easy to work with. After a
season of flying, it is normal to see panels that lost some of their
tightness. With Oratex: no problem, just apply more heat. Other coverings
make that difficult because of primer and paint. Finally: weight. On my
tail surfaces, I saved well over a pound of covering weight which allowed
me to remove another pound of lead from the nose of the stabilator. This in
turn reduced the amount of ballast I needed in the nose.

I don't have the invoice here at work, but Lars and Paul at
Betteraircraftfabric.com will gladly quote. Estimate the amount you need
(comes in two widths) and chose your color. I used the heavier fabric on
the tail, and the lighter stuff on the wings and ailerons.You won't need
any tape on the tail. I used less than 1 liter glue on my entire project.

Martin
zadwit

Re: Stabilator question

Post by zadwit »

Thanks Martin. I might end up putting new fabric on the stabilator and left aileron. Will have to wait and see when the plane gets here.
Thanks, Mark Smith (Davenport, Wa.)

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cossitt.alan

Re: Stabilator question

Post by cossitt.alan »

That's great to know. There is a lot of expense and trouble in the
painting and coating parts of the process.

-Alan
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