fabric and provide some protection from the elements; paint was applied over the dope. That was then. Now, aircraft owners can choose from among several systems—governed by supplemental type certificates—for covering and finishing fabric airplanes. One of these is the Poly-Fiber system (www.polyfiber. com), which AOPA Pilot chose in 1998 for the restoration of our Timeless TriPacer sweepstakes airplane. Another is the Ceconite system (www.ceconite.com). Both use synthetic fabrics that are shrunk by heat rather than dope and then finished with several coats of protective materials that are not flammable. Now that you understand a bit more about fabric airplanes, here’s what seasoned owners think you should know if you’re contemplating a purchase. 1. BUILD YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK BEFORE YOU BUY. What kind of airplane are you shopping for? Is there someone at your home airport who has first-hand knowledge of the model from an owner’s or mechanic’s perspective? If not, look to type clubs or owners’ groups, which offer a huge amount of information. They can be a valuable resource for locating a potential purchase, as their members will frequently AOPA LIFESTYLES A free member benefit you can take advantage of today! Check out your AOPA member discounts at aopa.org/lifestyles Scan the QR Code on your smartphone to access discounts faster! Strap in with MyClip for your ® iPad . IT’S PRETTY BASIC and probably a little uncomfortable in this cockpit of a Curtiss Wright Junior. www.aopa.org/pilot AOPA PILOT | 77 Visit us at www.tietco.com/kneeboardhttp://www.polyfiber.com http://www.polyfiber.com http://www.ceconite.com http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org/firc http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org/firc http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org/firc http://www.aopa.org/lifestyles http://www.aopa.org/lifestyles http://www.tietco.com/kneeboard http://www.tietco.com/kneeboard http://www.aopa.org/pilot