Inspect, Reuse & Repair Guide: GORE® SKYFLEX® Aerospace Materials
Installation Guides, United States
W. L. Gore & Associates’ complete line of aerospace materials is tested, qualified, and backed by over 30 years of success in civil and defense applications. Whenever the aircraft panel, fairing or faying surface is removed, GORE® SKYFLEX® Aerospace Materials must be inspected for any damage or improper installation to ensure the integrity of their sealing ability. The aircraft structure should also be inspected for any corrosion before reinstalling the panel.
The following procedures are based on Gore’s best practices for inspecting, reusing and repairing our aerospace materials. Be sure to refer to the aircraft maintenance manual for use/re-use cycles when replacing existing materials, and find further information at gore.com/skyflex, where you can download installation guides and instructional videos.
Inspection
To inspect GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials, follow these steps:
- Gently remove dirt, dust or other foreign matter from the materials’ surfaces with a clean rag or cloth.
- To determine if they can be repaired or must be replaced, inspect the materials and the quality of the installation for any damage.
- Depending on their condition:
- To repair GORE® SKYFLEX® Aerospace Tapes, refer to the procedures below.
- Replace GORE® SKYFLEX® Aerospace Gaskets if there are nicks, cuts, gouges, delamination or saturation in any way.
- Refer to the appropriate technical manual and procedures outlined in Gore’s installation guides and videos to replace Gore’s aerospace gaskets and tapes.
Procedures for Repairing the Tape
If GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Tapes become damaged, they can be repaired without having to replace the entire tape. After checking the aircraft surface to ensure all primers, paints and coatings are intact, follow these steps:
- Mark the damaged area, ensuring that the joints are not near fastener holes
- Slit the damaged section approximately 10 mm from the nearest fastener hole without damaging the aircraft or panel surface
- Gently pull up the tape
- Cut out the damaged tape
- Remove the remaining adhesive with either isopropyl alcohol or adhesive tape
- Apply light pressure to the remaining tape and ensure that both edges of the tape are properly sealed
Now, replace the damaged piece on the panel by measuring and cutting a replacement piece of tape. Allow for an overlap between 3-5 mm on both sides. Attach the replacement tape to the panel by laying it down flat and smooth – without stretching it – and ensure the piece overlaps on both ends. Then, apply light pressure to the replacement tape, ensuring there are no creases and both edges are sealed properly. To complete the repair, use an awl or scribe to punch a hole through the tape at each panel’s fastener without damaging the aircraft surface.
Learn More About GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials
For more information about GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials or answers to questions regarding your specific application, contact a Gore representative today.
FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY
Not for use in food, drug, cosmetic or medical device manufacturing, processing, or packaging operations.