RV Composite Class

I got an e-mail in June from EAA announcing a SportAir workshop in Chesapeake VA that would include the RV Composite class. I has already taken the composite class last year in Manassas, but was quite interested in taking this specific RV class.

There were 3 main projects that we did in the RV class. Just like the composite class I did last year, one of the first projects was the gear leg fairing. This helped demonstrate how to wax your part, laying fiberglass cloth, and using clay so you don’t have hard 90 degree transitions.

The second project that was the real goal of the class was the windshield transition. For this our instructor Scott discussed why you may want to deviate from the instructions and use an alternate fiberglass method. The class then went into the workshop and actually followed the steps discussed in the classroom to quickly create a fiberglass transition, including sanding and painting (primer). This method seemed to be much faster, just as strong if not stronger, and a heck of a lot less frustrating vs what is discussed in the plans.

The third project was the repair of a wheel pant that had damage. This was a very quick discussion and demonstration and was almost a distraction to the windshield project. Granted it was good practice for those that didn’t already take the other fiberglass class.

Scott also discussed the possibility of making a removable transition (similar to the metal transition that has been discussed on VAF), where an adhesive is used to attach the transition to the cowling and windshield while still providing strength. We also did some destructive testing on some parts where people couldn’t take them home with them. The bonding strength of this layup was impressive. The sheet metal did not separate from the fiberglass transition, and the windshield would break before the bond was broken. I was quite impressed. I may make a similar mockup and attempt the “removable” transition and some Silpruf or Silka to see what method I’ll eventually use for my windows and windshield. Granted I may just use the Lord adhesive and call it a day.

Overall I would highly recommend this class if anyone was interested. Very informative and Scott has a lot of knowledge he is more than willing to share with.

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