Hatz Biplane Association

Saw a Hatz that used hot wire shaped blue foam leading edges covered with fiberglass instead of the typical aluminum or plywood

Anyone else do this? Pros and cons please?

That's an different way to do it for sure. Did you get any pictures?

If you look at RV's or Glasairs and Lancairs they all have fiberglass cowling. And Glasairs/Lancairs and for that matter Diamonds and Cirrus all have fibreglass leading edges, wing skins etc. It probably comes down to what you're comfortable working with.

How was the leading edge attached to the spar? glued?

The blocks of foam were glued in between nose ribs then a hot wire on a frame shaped the foam using the nose ribs as structure as well as a template for the hot wire to follow. Then sanded smooth and two layers fiberglass clothe applied.very sturdy looking. Wondering if it’s easier than using 16th ply ?

How will the fiberglass/foam react when exposed to the heat of the iron when covering?

Juerg

The Hatz I saw had perfect leading edges. I suppose the two layers of fiberglass protected the blue foam.