Workshop Title

    Length

    Price for EAA Member

    Regular Price

    Composite Construction

    2 Days

    $259

    $299

    The Composite Construction course will present basic composite building techniques. This two day course is an intensive "hands-on" workshop discussing tools needed, safety aspects of composites, moldless construction to include "hot-wiring", bonding methods for composite kitplanes, etc.  A large amount of time will be spent learning the basics of composite construction.

    The following is a brief outline of the course content:

    A thorough discussion of what comprises a composite to include various cores, reinforcement materials, and resins will be given. Fillers and their applications are discussed. This course, like all SportAir courses, presents the safety issues involved with this type of construction.

    • The course concentrates largely on epoxies and their application although vinyl esters are discussed.
    • You will "hot-wire" a piece of foam to begin construction of a portion of a canard surface.
    • You will fill the airfoil section and add tape and layers of fiberglass.
    • Repairs and hard points are discussed.
    • Basic bonding techniques are presented that are applicable to most airplanes.
    • Vacuum bagging techniques are presented.
    • A portion of a wing section will be actually bonded together.


    Instructor Sid Wood (left) showing a
    student proper lay up technique.

     

    A large portion of time will be spent teaching the proper finishing of composite surfaces. You will actually work with a new water borne primer/filler that simplifies the finishing process. Step by step instructions will be given and practiced.

    This course is very in-depth in its scope. A high degree of confidence in the composite area will be gained by the end of the two-day period. This includes all materials and a very concise and informative workbook along with a diploma to proudly display.

    You may also register on the web by clicking on register The schedule for workshops may be found by clicking on Locations & Dates.

    Two students hotwiring a canard template from a block of foam.

    Student Comments from Course Evaluations:

    “Thank you! This class was very informative and enjoyable….the instructor was very technically savvy and obviously had tremendous real-world experience.” Ken M. from Massachusetts

    “Good workshop. Took a lot of the mystery and intimidation out of the subject. Convinced me it would be easier to build a Lancair than I thought.” Mark B from Colorado

    “I would recommend this to anyone considering building an aircraft” Bradley F. from Colorado

    “Enjoyed it very much. It definitely convinced me that I could build a kit plane…and that is what I came to find out.” Earl W. from CA

    “Thanks for getting me a step closer to my dream” Christoph B. from CA

    “This course has given me the confidence, knowledge & techniques I need to start the project. Good instruction, thanks.” Name withheld

    “An excellent hands on workshop for anyone contemplating a composite project.” Paul S. from Texas

    “Very professional, well thought out, enthusiastic instruction” Mark B from Texas

    “Increased my confidence in using composites” G. M. from Texas

    “Good class; balanced class work & hands on.” Dennis S. from Minnesota

    “Learned everything I need to get started on Varieze project” Rod I. from Minnesota

    “This workshop was an excellent experience for me. I now have a good idea about the amount of time and work it will take to complete a composite aircraft.” Jim R. from Massachusetts

    “Will look forward, and will suggest SportAir workshops to others.” Don K. from Massachusetts

    “Really excellent workshop.” Name withheld

    “Just the right amount of knowledge and hands-on practice to provide a good foundation.” James Z. from Washington

    “This was a great class. Thank you.” Kenny R. from Washington

       
         
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