Building a better mouse trap

If you have ever been snapped by an inspection cover, you would think it was a mouse trap.

Pilots and mechanics working on fabric aircraft have been waiting 90 years for an easier and less damaging way to remove and install inspection covers, says Marty Harris, who has developed the EZ-UP Inspection Cover Kit.

“At each annual we want to avoid the tedious and painful chore of removing covers and reinstalling them,” he said. “For example, with older Citabrias with a wooden spar AD, I’ve counted more than 25 inspection covers under the wings. No matter what the design, there is no easy way to install and remove riveted covers.”

Harris’s new kit can be used for new applications or to upgrade existing covers on Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) fabric-covered planes.

An A&P mechanic sign-off may be used to replace troublesome inspection covers on certificated aircraft per Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13.1, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices — Aircraft Inspection and Repair, he added.

“After 40 years of fighting traditional riveted covers in six of my fabric airplanes, I worked through several iterations of inspection covers to come up with a simple design that allows the cover’s retaining spring to be partially loosened with screws when removing and then secured tightly when installing,” he explained.

The new covers are flying on multiple antique, classic, and contemporary fabric-covered planes, he added

“The new cover was found to be a great improvement over the traditional riveted models that may slide or drop off,” he said. “I am especially grateful to International Aerobatic Champion Patty Wagstaff, who has tested the new inspection cover on her ACA Super Decathlon. She flies daily in upset and aerobatic instruction with great results.”

The EZ-UP Inspection Cover Kit includes a traditional ready to prep and paint, aluminum domed cover with the usual mating high tension spring in use for years, but instead of rivets the kit uses SS screws, washers, and a simple locking nut affixed to the spring, he said.

“Now there is no more snapping fingernails, scratched paint, shredding of fabric, sliding or lost covers due to weak or bent springs,” he added.

Harris, who is a director of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534 in Leesburg, Florida, has turned over the design rights of the kit to his EAA chapter. The kits are assembled, inspected and packaged by members of the chapter’s aviation youth group, which is called Squadron 534, he added.

“This entrepreneurial fund-raising project will help them learn manufacturing, marketing, and business skills,” he said. “All proceeds will go toward funding aircraft building, aircraft repair projects, and activities involving our very active youth group.”

At this time, the EZ-UP Kits are available exclusively from Plane Parts Inc., in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. You can order online or call 715-420-0168. Price: $14.