1.) What is the surface refinish and why is it necessary?
Surface of sailplanes, made of composite materials, is most often painted with polyester paint. The latter, due to exposure to external influences, cracks and does therefore not protect the structure from the adverse factors such as humidity, UV light, chemicals which can cause structural damage to the glider. It is therefore necessary to remove the old cracked paint and apply the new material.
2.) What materials are used in the refinish of the surface?
For refinishing the surfaces, Glider Service company uses both polyester and polyurethane varnishes. We exclusively use AKZO Schwabbellack polyester paint and for polyurethane and acrylic materials, we use products by MIPA and Glasurit.
3.) How long does it take to refinish the surface?
Refinishing of the complete glider may take from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the size of the glider, extent of the order and the materials used.
4.) What other services can I request?
Glider Service Company carries out all services for the glider that can possibly and legally be carried out: link-list of services.
5.) How is safety ensured?
Safety insurance is part of quality insurance, based on The Organisational manual of maintenance and Manual of internal procedures, both of which accord with Part MF, MG. Responsible for the quality are the Head of Quality System and Technical Service Manager. In accordance with regulations, quality control is performed by an external inspector. We provide continuous training for our employees. Work is performed in accordance with the approved data on repairs procedures, manuals and instructions provided by glider manufacturers. After all the work that may affect the safety of the glider, a licensed member of staff carries out double control. Our equipment and tools are regularly checked. All procedures are accurately documented.
6.) How do you document repairs?
All procedures are documented on several levels: parts of the glider during maintenance phases will be photographed and the client is handed the photographs.
Once the customer has taken over the glider at the end, extensive techical documentation is presented, in accordance with Part MF, MG: work order, certificate of release to service, annual inspection checklist, weighing report, control surfaces masses and moments, equipment list, control surfaces masses and moments, control deflections, EASA form one, release certificate in the log book, evaluation flight report, guarantee certificate.
In addition to these documents, that become part of the glider documentation, Glider Service also archives all the procedures in the internal documents, containing information on the contract, weight of the glider and its components before, during and after refinish, a sketch of the glider with exact details on the original labels, sealing and any other characteristics, information on the delivered equipment of the glider, final inspection, double control, used material, ...
All documents are kept electronically and on paper.
7.) How may I obtain your reference?
With over 20 years of experience, our reference list contains over 1000 refinished gliders from all over the world. To confirm the quality of our services, we are happy to provide you with some references, with regards to location and time of the refinish, glider type, performed service or any other kind of reference type you would like to know about. Send us your enquiry to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
8.) I would like a distinctive design on my glider. What do you recommend?
Based on your preferences and available options, we may prepare templates with an offer of special designs for signs, labels, safety tags, cockpit refinish and the like. Some templates can be viewed in our photo gallery. For more demanding customers we can provide cooperation with an experienced industrial designer, which may uniquely transform your sailplane, still complied with safety regulations.
9.) What is the procedure if I wish to order surface refinish?
Request a quote (questionnaire) and ask anything you would like to know. When you decide to order, please let us know your wishes and requirements. We shall arrange a date and send you an order confirmation. You may deliver and pick up the glider yourself or request that we arrange transportation on your behalf. We will endeavour to accommodate your every wish.
10.) How should I tend to the refinished surface?
Regardless of the material or the age of the surface, we recommend that all owners of composite-constructed gliders adhere to the following:
- The surface should never be wet. After washing or rain, immediately wipe the surface dry.
- Once a year, protect the entire surface with a high-quality non-silicon polish.
- Do not use very strong adhesive tapes.
- Do not use aggressive solvents.
- Avoid flying on the waves.
- Minor varnish damages should be repaired immediately.
Should you have any questions that have remained open, we will gladly answer them:
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