Microlighters

What is the life expectancy of the sail on a wing?
Do some colours wear out faster than others, black for example?

Hi Byron.

The average wing lasts about 2000hours of UV exposure.

But, don't get too excited, as this only averages about 700hours of actual flying time. The problem is that every time you stop somewhere for coffee, your wing stands in the sun etc., etc.,

If you look after your wing well, and park it in the shade ALLWAYS, then you can expect about 1000 hours of flying time from the fabric.

Most other components of the wing are rated to about 2000 hours.

BUT, CHECK YOUR OWNERS MANUAL. If you do not have one, get one from the manufacturers.

Another thing that normally packs up before the fabric does, is the stitching. I find that the fabric normally outlasts the stitching by about 200 hours. What I do is send the wing fabric in for stitching re-inforcing at the root, keel sleeve and trailing edges when the stitching starts showing signs of wear. I then get another 200 - 300 hours more out of the fabric.

BUT HEY, IT IS YOUR LIFE. Best you replace the fabric if in doubt.

I have also found that most colours fade equally, except for the bright neon colours. They give up the ghost quite fast (in terms of colour fastness)........

Regards.

Also depends on what material is used. I know Air Creation's latest breed use Trilam, Hydranet and a some other materials. These are said to outlast Dacron by many hours.

This is true.

My answer was pretty generalised

You can also get different gram dacron.

I chose the stronger gram on my last wing fabric renewal. Small sacrifice in ease of handling though(heavier wing) - but it should give me 2 - 300 hours more.

Problem is they still use the same stitching.....and that fails at about 700hours regardless of the type of fabric.......

Later,

Thanks for the info,
I have heard that when a wing is overhauled, the battons are re-shaped. Can this cause metal fatigue? Is there a dramatic improvment in terms of lift from the wing?

Byron wrote:Thanks for the info,
I have heard that when a wing is overhauled, the battons are re-shaped. Can this cause metal fatigue? Is there a dramatic improvment in terms of lift from the wing?

Sometimes the battons are replaced for new or they are compared to the batton profile chart and if out bent straight or replaced.