Plain English Meaning

Patches of cloth glued or stitched onto the fabric skin of an aircraft to cover small tears or holes. Pilots are allowed to do this kind of small repair themselves on their own airplane.

Full Definition

Small repair pieces of aircraft-grade fabric applied over minor tears, holes, or worn areas in the fabric covering of an aircraft, used to restore the integrity of the covered surface. Under FAA preventive maintenance rules, certificated pilots who own or operate an aircraft (not used in air carrier or commercial operations) may apply small simple fabric patches that do not require rib stitching or removal of structural parts or control surfaces.

Context Anchor

Seen in preventive maintenance lists for fabric-covered aircraft, especially when discussing small covering repairs an owner- may be allowed to .