Aircraft covering fabrics are made from materials from what two sources?

• A. Organic materials and synthetic materials
• B. Metals and ceramics
• C. Only synthetic materials
• D. Only organic materials

Answer: (B)

Aircraft covering fabrics come from two broad families of raw materials: natural (organic) fibers and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers like cotton or linen have been used historically for fabric coverings; they are plant-derived and woven into cloth that’s then treated to weatherproof and tighten it on the airframe. Synthetic fabrics are made from polymers in manufacturing plants—think polyester (Dacron), nylon, and similar materials—providing greater strength, lighter weight, and better dimensional stability. The fabric skin needs to be flexible yet durable to conform to the airframe and withstand flight stresses, so both natural and synthetic sources are used. Metals and ceramics don’t serve as the flexible covering fabric, as they’re rigid and not suitable for skin that must flex with the structure.