Vinyl For Aircraft

[jmmccann]

Has anyone done any vinyl decals for aircraft? Our little shop is getting some bigger clients and there has been talk about some vinyl decals for aircraft. I just wondered if anyone else had done this and what type of vinyl they used for it. My main concerns are the life of the installed graphic and safety....ie. I don't want vinyl peeling off in-flight.

Thanks

Jeff.

 

[rjssigns]

I think this was discussed previously. What I gathered is it's best to talk to an FAA certified person about it. AFAIK anything added to the outside of a plane has the chance of altering flight characteristics. Best to have all your ducks in a row when doing anything with aircraft.

 

[OldPaint]

IF......i remember correctly.............
when ORACAL HIT THE MARKET one of their advertising posters ........was C-47/DC-3 covered in ORACAL LETTERING)))))))

 

[jzorn]

have it cleared by the FAA certified mechanic for THAT airplane. It has to be signed off in the airplanes logbook.

 

[visual800]

I have used oracal 651 it was done on a piper about 8 years ago, still on there. Guy flies every week

 

[Techman]

you have to watch for tiny ports on the body. They regulate different things on the plan. That is why you should consult with an A&P mechanic to be sure not to cover any of those ports. Most average installer do not know where they are.
No vinyl does not alter the flight characteristics.

you cannot use regular vinyl on pressurized aircraft that fly above 13,000 ft. For high altitude you have to use special aircraft vinyl. That is the rule because of the expansion and contraction and air under the vinyl problems.

Rivets are a pain to deal with on small planes. However there is a small niche for this kind of work. You can put it anywhere on the plan.

The real problem is.. plans fly in the air and up there is plenty of dirt and oil vapor, paint chalking and other junk. You have to clean the plan very well.
Many plan owners are going back to paint. It simply last years longer.

Have a good time ...

 

[rjssigns]

you have to watch for tiny ports on the body. They regulate different things on the plan. That is why you should consult with an A&P mechanic to be sure not to cover any of those ports. Most average installer do not know where they are.
No vinyl does not alter the flight characteristics.

you cannot use regular vinyl on pressurized aircraft that fly above 13,000 ft. For high altitude you have to use special aircraft vinyl. That is the rule because of the expansion and contraction and air under the vinyl problems.

Rivets are a pain to deal with on small planes. However there is a small niche for this kind of work. You can put it anywhere on the plan.

The real problem is.. plans fly in the air and up there is plenty of dirt and oil vapor, paint chalking and other junk. You have to clean the plan very well.
Many plan owners are going back to paint. It simply last years longer.

Have a good time ...

Well I was close.LOL I knew there was something regarding approval/inspection.

 

[John Butto]

you have to watch for tiny ports on the body. They regulate different things on the plan. That is why you should consult with an A&P mechanic to be sure not to cover any of those ports. Most average installer do not know where they are.
No vinyl does not alter the flight characteristics.

you cannot use regular vinyl on pressurized aircraft that fly above 13,000 ft. For high altitude you have to use special aircraft vinyl. That is the rule because of the expansion and contraction and air under the vinyl problems.

Rivets are a pain to deal with on small planes. However there is a small niche for this kind of work. You can put it anywhere on the plan.

The real problem is.. plans fly in the air and up there is plenty of dirt and oil vapor, paint chalking and other junk. You have to clean the plan very well.
Many plan owners are going back to paint. It simply last years longer.

Have a good time ...

It's a bird, it's a plan....Sunday funnies

 

[knucklehead]

I've made two sets for planes, back when Oracal had 851. Handed them to the owners, and said do whatever you want to do with them, I've never seen you before in my life.

 

[jzorn]

The vinyl "N" numbers have been on my plane for over 20 years and they are fine. No problems at all. Standard high end oracal.

 

[jmmccann]

Thanks so much! This is great info. You guys rock!

 

[domj87]

I've seen boats and airplanes fully wrapped with Hexis vinyl so aircraft markings should be no problem