Along with a world-wide shortage of pilots, there is a growing need for thousands of aircraft mechanics and operations specialists. Aviation colleges in Richmond and Abbotsford, BC are part of the solution to this problem. Some of the current graduating Aerospace class at BCIT in Richmond have been spending their spare time as volunteers at the Museum. They are learning the age-old technique of fabric covering of aircraft components. What does this matter in these days of aluminum alloys, composite structures and advanced electronics? In fact, there are still a significant number of older aircraft that still need care and repair to their delicate fabric covering. Imagine the Museum aircraft with no-one to replace the outer skin – the Harvard, Tiger Moth, Waco INF and AQC, the Fleet Finch and Canuck, the SE5a and the Sopwith Pup would all be grounded. Just a minute, that is the whole flying fleet at the Museum! So we are very appreciative of these young men who keep old skills alive.

First the elevator (horizontal tail control surface) has to have all the old fabric removed and any dope or adhesive carefully cleaned off the metal structure. Any areas affected by corrosion are treated or repaired. Then the structure is primed and painted. Sharp edges are covered with adhesive tape. Only then can the fabric replacement start. The synthetic cloth is attached with special adhesives and a hot iron is applied to each area in a special sequence to shrink it in place. Rib stitching between the upper and lower surface is then carried out to ensure the fabric is held firmly in place. Multiple layers of finish are applied to keep the fabric taut, prevent damage from UV rays and to give the correct colour for the era. If this sounds complicated, consider the original process. The fabric was Irish Linen or cotton covered with Nitrate and Butyrate dopes. These chemicals were very challenging to use and are now banned as hazardous materials!