Definition
A synthetic polyester fiber used in aviation as a fabric covering for the airframes of fabric-covered aircraft. It is heat-shrinkable, strong, resistant to rot and mildew, and forms a durable skin when applied over the structure and treated with the appropriate coating system.
Plain English
A man-made cloth made from polyester thread that is used to cover the wings and fuselage of fabric-covered airplanes. It shrinks tight when heated and is then sealed and painted to form the aircraft's outer skin.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, especially when inspecting, repairing, or replacing fabric covering on older or fabric-covered aircraft.
Derivation
Dacron is a brand name registered by DuPont in the 1950s for their polyester fiber. The name was coined by the company and has no separate root meaning, but in aviation it has become a generic term for polyester aircraft covering fabric.
Why Pilots Care
Fabric-covered aircraft owners and mechanics need to know the type of covering material on the airframe because it affects inspection methods, repair procedures, expected service life, and the approved coating system. Using the wrong materials or process on a Dacron-covered aircraft can compromise the airworthiness of the covering.
Intuition Check
Dacron is not just any cloth. In this context, it means a specific type of synthetic polyester fabric used in aircraft covering work.
Example Sentence 1
The Piper Cub was recovered with Dacron fabric and finished with a butyrate dope system.
Example Sentence 2
Dacron covering is lighter and more resistant to mildew than traditional cotton fabric.