Types of Covers - Punkin Head Air Sports

types of cover

There are many options for covering your aircraft depending on the purpose for covering it. You may need just a light weight cover over the perspex to keep the sun and weather out while away on trips, or you may need a full set of permanent outdoor covers as an alternative to hangarage. Covers can also be made for Microlights so they can be trailered and protected from weather and road grime.

All covers are held on by seatbelt webbing straps with adjustable side release clips. Studded covers are available but they do require the aeroplane to visit Yarrawonga, Victoria, for the cover to be fitted to the studs on the aeroplane. Our fabrics are termed “water resistant” rather than “waterproof” as once a seam is sewn in fabric any waterproofness is decreased. We design and manufacture our covers so the water sheds over the seams rather than sitting in them. In a major downpour some moisture may get in to the lining but the cover acts as a barrier and it is very rare for the water to get into the cockpit. Also, a fully waterproof fabric creates issues with moisture being trapped underneath it in humid or dewy conditions.

PERMANENT OUTDOOR COVERS

We use WeatherMax surface guard for those wanting either permanent outdoor coverage or a cover that will last for ages. WeatherMax surface guard has a 5 year warranty from the manufacturer against fading from UV so if the fabric can handle the UV, the aircraft underneath is well protected.

The surface guard is a knitted polyester bonded lining that is lightweight but very gentle on perspex. It also has the feature of not being as attractive to grass seeds and dirt compared to other linings if you accidentally drop it. WeatherMax is also extremely water repellent and water resistant, but at the same time is extremely breathable so moisture will not be trapped underneath it.

LIGHTWEIGHT
COVERS

Lightweight covers are made from a 100 denier silver coated polyester with a bonded felt backing. This gives compactness, reflection of UV rays, water repellence and softness against the perspex. We recommend lightweight covers for in the hangar and trips away as long term 24/7 UV exposure will degrade the cover.

TRAILERING COVERS

For aircraft that are trailered form airport to airport – generally microlights and gyrocopters – we often use 1000 denier Kodra fabric which is like a heavy duty backpack fabric. We line the fibreglass section with super soft micro polar fleece as travelling down the highway can create movement just from the air vortices around the towing vehicle. We also have many adjustable straps on this kind of cover to maintain a tight fit and to eliminate as much flapping as possible.

Kodra – Main colour

Poly – trim colours

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT COVERS

This category addresses the need for super lightweight and compact covers. The cover is made of 100 denier polyester with a silver coating on the outside but no lining on the inside. This category includes microlight camp covers and super lightweight cabin and canopy covers.

Super lightweight Foxbat AL-22

‘Camp’ cover airborne XT912 Microlight

DECISION TIME

Once the required type of cover – permanent outdoor or light weight, etc – has been decided then it comes to working out how much of the aircraft you wish to cover. We are able to cover aircraft from wingtip to wingtip and nose to tail. We also make prop covers, cowl plugs, pitot covers and just about anything else you need to keep your aeroplane protected.

Some examples of covers are below: