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Oratex FAQs

  • UK: Approved by the LAA (Light Aircraft Association) and BMAA (British Microlight Aircraft Association).
  • Europe: Approved with EASA STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates).
  • USA and Canada: FAA STCs are available for many aircraft types, including Pipers, some Aeroncas, Stinsons, as well as all Maules and Huskys. Field approval is also granted for Cessna 120/140s.
  • Extensive global testing has demonstrated that Oratex holds up exceptionally well even in the most rugged conditions, including the challenging environment of Alaska.
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When you consider the cost of painting (which is not required with Oratex), the overall price is comparable to legacy systems.

Additionally, if you factor in the savings from not needing a compressor, spray gun, respirator (none of which are necessary with Oratex), or the time saved during the covering process, using Oratex can actually be more cost-effective.

  • Oratex UL600: Designed for airplanes with a gross weight of up to 600 kilograms (subject to national approvals).
  • Oratex 6000: Intended for airplanes with a gross weight of up to 6000 kilograms (also subject to national approvals).

The backside coating is an extra layer that makes the fabric stronger, more stable and also increases opacity giving the fabric a deeper colour.

Oratex is very safe to use. No special safety precautions are necessary, and you don’t even need gloves. You can confidently cover parts with Oratex in your living room.

Compared to traditional methods like Poly-Fiber or Ceconite, using Oratex significantly reduces the covering time:

  • Super Cub-sized airplane: Traditional methods take 300-500 hours, whereas with Oratex, a reasonable estimate is around 130 hours based on actual customer feedback.
  • Smaller airplanes can be completed even faster, typically in about 100 hours.
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Remember, Oratex offers a reliable, lightweight, and efficient solution for aircraft covering, and its proven performance speaks for itself

Oratex UL600 and Oratex 6000 come in various colours, including:

  • White
  • Cub Yellow
  • Golden Yellow
  • Signal Yellow
  • Fokker Red
  • Corsair Blue
  • Sky Blue
  • Olive Drab
  • Silver
  • Orange
  • Black

Oratex 600 also offers Natural White and Antique options.

Oratex eliminates the need for painting, but if you have specific requirements, we offer specially formulated paint compatible with the Oratex system.

Oratex is easy to repair, even in the field. Tears can be patched, and dents can be removed using a heat gun.

Choose from two widths:

  • 900 mm (approximately 35.43 inches)
  • 1800 mm (approximately 70.87 inches)

Available to purchase by the meter.

Oratex comes ready to use—no coatings or paint required. Simply glue it down, shrink it, and you’re ready to fly!

Permit aircraft builders can confidently cover their planes with Oratex, which is much easier than traditional methods.

Start by reviewing our detailed Application Instructions. For additional guidance, feel free to contact us or consider attending our 1-day training course.

Follow the designer’s specifications. If rib stitching is required, follow those   guidelines. If rivets are specified, use rivets.

In addition to standard shop tools, you’ll need:

  • A high-quality digital iron
  • A reliable digital heat gun
  • A precise digital thermometer

Oratex products come with a 10-year warranty. The longest-flying aircraft with Oratex has been in use for 18 years, and it is expected that Oratex will last at least as long as older heritage systems, if not longer.

Both Oratex UL600 and Oratex 6000 are fully UV protected without any additional coating. UV resistance is engineered into the fabric.

The weight of Oratex fabric varies depending on the colour and the presence of backside coating:

  • 90-130 g/m²: ORATEX® UL600 without backside coating
  • 110-140 g/m²: ORATEX® UL600 with backside coating
  • 140-190 g/m²: ORATEX® 6000 without backside coating
  • 150-210 g/m²: ORATEX® 6000 with backside coating

 

Note that this weight includes the total fabric weight, as no painting is required.

Oratex fabric is significantly stronger than other fabrics.

The Oratex Hotmelt Glue can withstand over 100 pounds per square inch of force.

Oratex fabric does not support combustion.

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