Mr Foster (John),

The articles are not posted online. If you contact me by email, I can see about getting them to you. You should consider becoming a VSA member, since there are members across the country that have experience and can help.

In short, FAA guidance material states that epoxy may be used for some repairs, but must be approved. Unfortunately, there is no uniformity to that approval between FAA offices. Since wood aircraft have not been built commercially here in the US since the 50's at the latest, thee was no incentive to qualify epoxy as a wood adhesive. Homebuilts have used epoxy for years. Properly used, it provides good joints while not requiring tight joints or high pressure. In fact, with cotton flox or other fiber material, it can actually bridge small gaps. This makes it ideal for repair without factory fixtures.

You also received comments from JJ, who has a lot of experience with glider repair, wood and otherwise. Taking it experimental fixes some issues, but I would suggest that keeping it Standard category would be worthwhile, especially for selling it down the line. However, if you want to use epoxy, it will require finding an inspector that is willing to allow you to use that adhesive for your repairs, and willing to take it to his or her FAA office to get the Form 337 approved. I have been able to find IA's to do that for me. I have typically used T-88 for smaller repairs like ribs. It will provide a better joint than the original Kaurit. One IA also did some more major repairs for me using Aeropoxy. It comes in different viscosities, so it is easier to use for some repairs.

You could also use a resorcinol adhesive. Schleicher used Aerodux (resorcinol) to attach plywood skins (but generally Kaurit (a plastic resin glue) to do much of the structure.) Cascophen or similar resorcinol adhesives have a general approval from the FAA, but you need to have tight fitting joints and be able to provide uniform, tight clamping. That can be difficult with some repairs.

There is coverage for the Schleicher gliders in the Polyfiber (Stits) STC. But if one reads the details of the STC, it says to overlap all fabric joints, which would infer that fabric should cover the leading edge D-tube. This can be done with lightweight fabric, since it does not carry air loads, and it is glued tightly to the leading edge. The Stewart Systems covering system allows the fabric to be applied just over the open bays, like the original factory installation. Ceconite using dope also allows this. Aerotech and Superflight may also do the same. I have moved from Polyfiber to Stewart Systems to make my wife happier. If does not use the MEK and other volitiles in the the other systems. Also all bu the last paint coat can be cleaned up with water.

Again, send me an email if you want more info, and please consider checking out the Vintage Sailplane Association website (http://www.vintagesailplane..org/).

...... Neal