Yesterday I was catching up on my Pilot issues and, in the January edition, there is an article by Dave Hirschman on Ice Protection in a Can in the Pilot Briefings section. (I'm not able to link this article yet since they haven't archived it yet). In the article, he states "The FAA hasn't attempted to regulate the kinds of coatings we put on aircraft surfaces."

So, I know about abrasion boots to protect the leading edge of the elevator, but what have any of you experimented with? My friend just put 3M leading edge tape on his newly painted RV-9a. I'd like an economical way to protect the elevator as well as the struts.

Thanks,
GSP

Cory,

I used the 3m clear bra they use for cars on my Kitfoxes. It was crystal clear and tough as nails. I bought it by the foot (they make it in all kinds of widths) from a local tint shop that also does custom clear bra installation. If I remember correctly I paid $7/ft. for 24" wide and cut strips of it. I am planning on using it for my struts and gear legs but I will put the cessna boots on my horizontal stab.

I'd like to put the abrasion boots on eventually too. But in the meantime, maybe this will be a good option. I winder how easily it is removed and any potential to mess up the paint.

As a follow up question on this, recently I got a little ding in the leading edge of my horizontal stab from a rock that was thrown back. I'd like to fix it before applying the 3M tape. What options are there?

Grassstrippilot wrote:As a follow up question on this, recently I got a little ding in the leading edge of my horizontal stab from a rock that was thrown back. I'd like to fix it before applying the 3M tape. What options are there?

The tape option will work fine for small rocks 1/4" ish.
The problem is when you get the 3/4 + sized rocks that dent the leading edge. Cessna boots are probably the best for this (but you will still get dents!).

You have to glue them on.
No STC they are already an option on your 205.
Good luck

Thanks Trent. Yeah the abrasion boots are on the list. The tape will just hold me over until I can do them.