FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B
Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices
Aircraft Inspection and Repair
AC 43.13-1B | 9. Aircraft Systems and Components | 3. Emergency Equipment | 9-42. Raft Repairs
9/8/98
AC 43.13-1B
(c) When two fabric surfaces are to
be bonded, apply two coats of extra light ce-
ment, two coats of light cement, and three
coats of heavy cement to each surface. Rubber-
coated tape and seam crossover patches with
protective backing do not require cement. Each
coat of cement should be thoroughly dry to the
touch before the next coat is applied. Start the
bonding of fabric surfaces while the last coat
of cement is slightly tacky. To ensure proper
adhesion when bonding two cemented sur-
faces, the areas to be bonded should remain
tacky during application. This is accomplished
by brushing the cemented area with a cloth
moistened with solvent.
center line, and cross lines on the ends of the
patch will coincide with the ends of the injury.
(c) To ensure that the inside surface
of the raft is properly powdered in the area of
repair, pass a small handful of talc through the
opening in the raft and place it approximately
12 inches from the injury. This should be ac-
complished before the inside area is cemented,
exercising care to prevent distribution of the
talc prior to completion of the repair.
NOTE: If difficulty in the drying of
heavy cement is encountered due to
atmospheric conditions, six additional
coats of light cement may be substi-
tuted for the three coats of heavy ce-
ment.
(d) After applying the patch, thor-
oughly roll it with a hand roller, rolling from
the center to the outer edge, to ensure that all
air pockets are removed and a firm bond is se-
cured.
(e) Thoroughly dust with talc. Allow
to cure for 60 hours before performing leak
tests and storing.
(2) Inside Patches.
(a) Cut a rectangular patch as shown
in figure 9-13, allowing at least 1-1/2 inches to
extend beyond the edge of the injury in all di-
rections.
FIGURE 9-13. Repair dimensions.
(d) Using cleaning solvent, cleanse
an area on the inside surface of the fabric
slightly larger than the patch to be applied. En-
sure that the repaired area is thoroughly dry,
both inside and outside; apply two coats of
extra light cement, two coats of light cement,
and three coats of heavy cement (or six addi-
tional coats of light cement in lieu of the heavy
cement) to the cleansed area, allowing each
coat to dry thoroughly before applying succes-
sive coats.
(b) Mark the center line on the side
of the patch that is to be attached to the raft.
Mark cross lines on each end of the patch
1-1/2 inches from the ends. When the patch is
applied to the injury on the inside, the longitu-
dinal edges of the injury will coincide with the
NOTE: Since it is impossible for the
repairman to visually observe the ce-
menting that is being accomplished on
the inside of the raft, exercise care to
ensure that each coat of cement com-
pletely covers the area to be repaired.
Par 9-42
Page 9-33