Definition
A method used on fabric-covered aircraft to secure the fabric covering to the wing ribs by sewing it in place with strong cord, using a series of evenly spaced knots along each rib. The stitching prevents the fabric from lifting away from the rib under aerodynamic loads in flight.
Plain English
Sewing the fabric skin of a wing tightly to each internal rib so the air rushing over the wing cannot pull the fabric loose.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of fabric-covered aircraft and in preventive maintenance limits, especially where a fabric repair is only allowed if it does not require rib stitching.
Derivation
Rib refers to the curved structural member that gives a wing its airfoil shape. Stitching is plain sewing. Together the term simply names the act of sewing the fabric to the ribs — but it is worth knowing because the word rib in aviation always points to one of the small spanwise-spaced shaping members inside a wing, not a structural beam.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the fabric taut and attached, preventing flutter, tearing, or detachment that could cause loss of control.
Intuition Check
Rib stitching is not sewing up a tear in the fabric. It is sewing the fabric covering to the aircraft’s internal ribs so the covering remains attached to the structure.
Example Sentence 1
During the annual inspection, the mechanic checked the rib stitching on the upper wing for any loose or broken cords.
Example Sentence 2
During the inspection the pilot checked the rib stitching for proper tension and wear.