lifting of surface

[ltaylor]

I noticed a 2.5" lifting "bubble", on the upper surface of the left strake of my recently purchased Long EZ.  The area is approximately 3" lateral of the fuselage and approximately 4" back from the most forward edge of the strake.  When depressed, the underlying structure feels firm.  My research so far indicates that injecting this area with epoxy and weighting will resolve the problem, but I'd appreciate expert guidance from the group.  My EZ has 218 hrs TT and was completed by its original owner in '86.  Overall, and excellent build and this appears the only problem area.  

Thanks,
Lane Taylor, N213EZ, KOSC

[Drew]

Is it the paint bubbling or the skin?  Sand off the paint in this area to take a look.  If it is the paint, then just repaint this area.

If skin, use the quarter test to see how big this area really is and outline it with marker or tape.  The plans has a very good repair section that will show you how to do this.

For an example and story of a really bad delam, consult one of the later CPs where Mike Melville got a really bad delam on the bottom surface of his wing due to a fuel leak.  He had to replace a lot of foam and reskin several square feet of surface---complete with pictures.

[ltaylor]

Thanks Drew.  I'm pretty confident that the lifting is the fiberglass and the quarter test confirms a dull sound.  When I compress the area I can hear contact with the underlying foam so I'm thinking that injecting the area is the purdent course of action.  The other question is: Should the plane be grounded until this area is repaired?  Given the location it doesn't appear to be a structural concern, but being new to EZs, I leave it to the experts to advise.  

Lane

[Drew]

I would fix a delam as soon as possible---it will probably take one half hour to fix---including getting set up and cleaning afterward.

Of course my wife would take that number and tell you to multiply by 4.   :lol:

[ltaylor]

Sounds like a start to a plan and my first small project.  The area is directly over the right storage compartment, which I hope means less serious.  I said left in my original posting, but it's right.  Lane

[Drew]

You can't own one of these things without getting "dirty."  Good thing that your first job is an easy one.

Make sure that you have the plans----and consult the repair section.  It is a rather short section--but contains everything you need to know.

[ltaylor]

I purchased this Long EZ with the idea of making it a rebuild/restoration project so I guess that I'm getting "just what I asked for."  Thanks again, Lane