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Author Archives: WorkBenchCover

Aircraft Covers, Special Cover Projects

Sky4Pilots Fleet Covers: A Tailored Solution for the Eclipse 550 Jets

By author-avatar 31st August 2023

At Sky4Pilots, our dedication is to provide top-notch solutions to the aviation industry. We are excited to share our recent engagement with a burgeoning VLJ fleet operating out of the picturesque Channel Islands.

Introduction to the Eclipse 550 Jets: A Game-Changer

The Eclipse 550 jets, stationed in the Channel Islands, have quickly risen to prominence in the aviation circle. Being employed for diverse applications ranging from air taxis to personal and business charters, these jets signify a transformation in the aviation landscape. One of their standout features is the economical operating costs. This efficiency paves the way for the Channel Island residents to experience speedy jet travel without the hefty price tag. Beyond affordability, the Eclipse 550 jets showcase groundbreaking eco-friendly technology. Their engines boast incredibly low CO2 emissions, which are unmatched in their class, making them a beacon for sustainable air travel.

The Need for Premium Covers

While these jets are a marvel of modern aviation, they are not immune to the wrath of the elements. With a fleet strength of 19 aircraft, these jets often find themselves parked on the apron, directly exposed to various weather conditions. The demand was straightforward: these aviation marvels required protective covers that could be stowed with ease, and seamlessly installed or removed, minimising any operational delays.

In addition to the body of the aircraft, special attention was necessary for the PW610F engines. These engines, with their distinct intake and exhaust design, necessitated unique turbine covers that could be fitted effortlessly, ensuring that the engine remains shielded from potential harm.

Introducing the Stratus Pro Range

Understanding the specific requirements, Sky4Pilots turned to its Stratus Pro range of fabrics – a blend of resilience and innovation. These fabrics have been meticulously crafted to cater to the nuanced needs of the Eclipse 550 jets. One of our top priorities was ensuring the AOA (Angle of Attack) and OAT (Outside Air Temperature) probes were well protected. Our covers not only provide unparalleled protection from environmental factors but also promise a snug fit, ensuring that the aircraft maintains its sleek aesthetic.

Conclusion

At Sky4Pilots, we pride ourselves on rising to the challenges presented by the aviation industry. By providing tailored solutions for the Eclipse 550 fleet, we once again demonstrate our commitment to excellence and innovation. Whether it’s a small aircraft or a burgeoning fleet, our promise remains the same: optimal protection with an unmatched level of professionalism.

Join the Sky4Pilots Revolution

The safety, longevity, and aesthetic appeal of your aircraft are of paramount importance to us. If you’re looking for top-tier protective solutions tailored to your aviation needs, don’t hesitate. Let Sky4Pilots be your partner in safeguarding your investment.

📞 Get in Touch Today! Whether you’re operating a single aircraft or a vast fleet, our experts are ready to provide bespoke solutions crafted with precision. Reach out to us now and explore how our Stratus Pro range can elevate your aircraft’s protection to the next level.

🔗 Contact Sky4Pilots for a consultation and let’s embark on this journey together. Safe flights begin with the best protection. Choose Sky4Pilots. Choose excellence

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Why aircraft covers are important

By author-avatar 13th January 2023

Aircraft covers for small general aviation aircraft are an important investment for aircraft owners. These covers serve as a protective barrier for the aircraft, helping to prevent damage from the elements and other environmental factors.

One of the main reasons why aircraft covers are important is that they help to protect the aircraft’s paint and finish. The sun, wind, and rain can all cause damage to the paint and finish of an aircraft over time, resulting in unsightly fading and chalking. An aircraft cover acts as a barrier between the aircraft and these elements, helping to preserve the aircraft’s appearance and prolonging the life of the paint and finish.

Another important reason to use an aircraft cover is to protect the aircraft’s interior. The interior of an aircraft can be made up of various materials, including leather, fabric, and plastic. These materials can be damaged by exposure to the sun and other environmental factors. An aircraft cover helps to keep the interior of the aircraft cool and dry, helping to preserve the integrity of the materials and prolonging the life of the interior.

Aircraft covers also provide protection from bird droppings, dust, and other debris. These substances can cause damage to the paint and finish of an aircraft, as well as the interior materials. An aircraft cover acts as a barrier between the aircraft and these substances, helping to keep the aircraft clean and in good condition.

In addition to protecting the aircraft from damage, aircraft covers can also help to reduce the amount of time and money that needs to be spent on maintenance and repairs. When an aircraft is well-protected, there is less need for frequent cleaning and repairs, which can save aircraft owners a significant amount of money over time.

Another important benefit of aircraft covers is that they can help to improve the security of the aircraft. An aircraft cover can act as a deterrent to would-be thieves, as it makes it more difficult for them to see what is inside the aircraft. Additionally, aircraft covers can be locked or secured to the aircraft in some way, making it more difficult for thieves to access the aircraft.

Overall, aircraft covers are an important investment for aircraft owners. They help to protect the aircraft from damage, reduce the amount of time and money that needs to be spent on maintenance and repairs, and improve the security of the aircraft. Whether you are a private aircraft owner or operate a fleet of aircraft, investing in aircraft covers is a wise decision that will pay off in the long run.

 

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Aircraft Covers

SKY4PILOTS are delighted to be selected by the Supermarine S5 Seaplane Charity

By author-avatar 30th September 2021

SKY4PILOTS proudly support The Supermarine S5 Seaplane Charity. Over the next few years a team of highly respected aviation professionals will build a replica Supermarine S5.

The Supermarine S5 was, and will once again, be a unique aircraft in British aviation.

Historical photos of the Supermarine S5 courtesy of The Supermarine S5 Seaplane Charity

This aircraft was the technology test-bed for the Second World War fighter, the Supermarine Spitfire, the Chief designer at Supermarine was R.J. Mitchell. The S5 was a British engineering legend, winning the famous Schneider Trophy in 1927, achieving a speed of 281.6 mph. Britain won two more consecutive races, to retain and forever keep the Schneider Trophy, which resides in the Science Museum
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The team of talented engineers and experienced crew will build a totally authentic replica of this aircraft to modern standards, recreating an icon of British engineering excellence.

SKY4PILOTS are delighted to have been selected by the Supermarine S5 Seaplane Charity to supply a unique made-to-measure protective cover for the S5. Our aircraft covers were chosen because of our exacting detail and quality standards. Reflecting the S5 Seaplane Charity’s own high standards embodied in the aircraft build itself.

SKY4PILOTS joined the Charity team at the official launch of the project. A great day to meet the team and learn more about this amazing aircraft. We look forward to working with the Supermarine S5 Seaplane Charity and we will be posting updates on the project work and in particular our bespoke cover for the S5.

SKY4PILOTS have a history of excellence working with specialist aircraft owners to produce high quality bespoke aircraft covers.

We measure your aircraft to achieve the best fitting cover which will protect the aircraft. A little like a tailor, we create a unique pattern for your aircraft which takes into consideration any antenna or other protrusions on the airframe.

The image opposite shows another project that SKY4COVERS have carried out.  A 1945 De Havilland DH-89A Dominie I / Dragon Rapide fuselage fabric application.

Contact Sarah at SKY4COVERS to discuss your historical aircraft covers.

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You can support the Supermarine S.5 Charity too . . .

Help Support the Supermarine S.5 replica build when buying these quality Greeting Cards. Each card pack sold will donate 60% of the price to the Supermarine S.5 charity fund https://www.supermarineseaplane.co.uk. 10 Cards in a pack. Blank inside, so you can use the cards for any event.

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Special Cover Projects

Covent Garden Covers for Mike Rowland & Sons Wheelrights and Coachbuildrers

By author-avatar 27th October 2016

Covent Garden is famously known for it’s cobbled Piazza, the Great Arched Market Building, Market Stalls and Coster Barrows.

Mike Rowland & Son Wheelwrights and Coachbuilders, located in Colyton, are a specialist company, producing on average 200 wheels per year, with 80 years of experience in production and restoration. Their work varies from the appointment To Her Majesty The Queen, where they produce and restore Royal Carriages, to the production of new Coster Barrows to populate Covent Garden.

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.”

– Mike Rowlands

During the construction of the Barrows, The Wheelwrights worked with Sky4Covers, where we produced 4 bespoke covers. We used Black WeatherMax 80, because of its high-quality, slightly heavier fabric, offering a more durable design, which was perfect for the stalls frequent use.

 

The uniqueness of the barrows required great detailing and care when producing the covers. The Barrows store goods beneath them, so the covers needed to hide this section of the stall, as well as making it accessible to reach during use. We also exercised particular detailing/adjustments around the fringe of the barrow, to highlight the distinct carvings on top. In order to protect and transport these valuable covers, we produced purposed designed bags for them to be stored into as well.

This exclusive opportunity to produce a unique and individual set of covers, is just one example of the care, time and quality that Sky4Covers invest in each cover. We value each design just as important and distinct as the next, with the quality and flexibility of these Barrow covers, proving a great success in Covent Garden.

Visit http://www.wheelwright.org.uk

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Aircraft Covers

Raven Display Team chose Sky4Pilots.co.uk covers

By author-avatar 22nd October 2016

Team Raven is an aerobatic display team, which formed in May 2014, all five, now flying RV8s. This outstanding team has performed at many events, including, Swansea Airshow, Volkel Airbase Holland and Ponte de Sor Portugal.

They approached Sky4Covers, requesting personalised Cockpit and Engine covers for the entire team. We offered an exclusive fly-in service, where the team flew into Dunkeswell Airfield and we tested the patterns/discussed the addition of the Team’s logo.

 

The Team chose Black WeatherMax 80, which is a high-quality, slightly heavier fabric, offering a more durable design. The fabric’s breathability makes it perfect for outdoor use, which was key to Team Raven’s frequent nature of travel. We offer a variety of colours in WeatherMax 80, including, Black, Royal, Scarlet, Burgundy, Chocolate, Taupe and many more.

Sky4Covers offers an additional premium service, which includes a logo/design printed on the cover. The logo was an important feature for the team and after discussing the details, we printed and positioned it onto the covers, as well as manufacturing personalised bags with the logo too.

Before flying away with this bespoke set of covers, The Team flew into Dunkeswell Airfield, where we fitted them.

Team Raven was a unique opportunity for Sky4Covers, to facilitate and specialise a set of exclusive covers, for a select aerobatic team.

Visit their site http://www.ravendisplayteam.com

You can buy a Vans Aircraft cover too. Choose from:

Vans RV6 Aircraft cover
Vans RV7 Aircraft cover
Vans RV8 Aircraft cover
Vans RV10 Aircraft cover
Vans RV12 Aircraft cover

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Special Cover Projects

DeHavilland Restoration Project – fabric application to the fuselage

By author-avatar 3rd October 2016

Early in 2002 Southern Sailplanes selected our workshops to assist in the rebuild of G-AHAG DeHavilland Rapide.   The first parts to be worked on were the Tailplane, Elevators, Fin and Rudder followed by the mainplanes and subsequently the fuselage.  I had already completed the rebuild of the structures which included applying new ply skins and repairs to ribs etc. 

The mainplanes and ailerons were next requiring repairs to ribs, leading and trailing edge.   The wings are held to shape by steel rods set at angles between the spars.   My son Robin was very much involved on the rebuild from this point on.   Having completed structural and repair work on each part was made ready to fabric.   Suffice it to say the the rebuild work was extensive and the details are far too involved to cover these notes.

 Application of fabric was the next step using Irish Linen.   Irish Linen is a natural fabric and in applying it to an airframe takes a great deal of care to ensure that it will end up being taught as well as secured to the airframe part.   Sky 4 Covers was asked to assist with the preparation and application of the fabric.   Sarah King took a great deal of time studying the fabric application drawings as supplied by DeHavilland Aircraft.   The drawings made clear the direction of the warp in the fabric, how the seams were to be sewn and how to join the fabric.   Sarah not only has the expertise but she also had the machinery to make up each fabric envelope to be applied.   As can be seen from the photo of the fuselage side that required a seam to run the complete length of the fuselage exactly over the stringer,   On the wings can be seen the fabric having be applied doped and taped in place.   The basics for the application of Irish Linen fabric to an airframe is to first ensure the the fabric fits as tight as possible with the trailing edge of say the wings being finally stitched in situ.   The fabric is then lightly sprayed with sterile water to do the initial shrinking followed by several coats of high tautening dopes.   All the leading and trailing edges are the taped and the fabric is stitched to each rib using a waxed rib stitching cord.    All the ribs are then taped with pinked edged tape.   The completed fabric and taping makes for a very satisfying picture of the work before the finishing paints are applied.

CONTACT US FOR SPECIALIST ENQUIRIES

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