Is anyone aware of a procedure and recommended specification for testing the Dacron fabric on their aircraft? I'm familiar with the FAA guidance but it is very general and I've seen the EAA video where they punch test a Quicksilver's Dacron sailcloth. I'm assuming it would be no different for my plane but thought I would post here to get some thoughts. I'm selling my Rans S-6ES and the buyer wants a punch test performed.
Thanks
Mike
N208M

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/amt_airframe_handbook/media/ama_Ch03.pdf

A punch tester can give variable results based on the prep, the operator, and other factors. I am not sure if it is an FAA-approved method.The link says it is not, but everyone still seems to use it.

From my own experience, my fabric (cotton) was tested by three different mechanics over the years. It "passed" with flying colors. I was leaning lightly against it one day and my elbow went through the aft fuselage without any effort. A proper strip test showed it was around 35% as strong as virgin cotton fabric when the strip was taken from the same location as a couple of punch tests. Other people swear by the punch tester when used properly.

Punch testing poly aircraft fabric is not reliable. Don't bother.

MTV

If you read the Polyfiber manual, they say that a punch test can be used as a check of the fabric condition, but the finish needs to be removed in the area to be punched. To be sure you are supposed to cut of a strip of fabric, remove the finish and test it by hanging a weight from it.

Let us know if you figure it out Mike. I'm interested in what you end up doing.

When you say Dacron fabric, is your S6 covered using the Stits (Polyfiber) or similar process, or is it covered with colored (see-through) sailcloth like some I've seen? Either way, I would get the installation manual for the process/material used and see what it says re testing for airworthiness.
Someone once told me that the Stits manual has no criteria for passing or failing a punch test. Someone else told me that as long as you can't poke your finger through it with a normal poke (whatever that is), it was good to go.