A crack is developing along the leading edge of my horizontal stab. It doesn't look like it's just the paint. Plane has some life left in the original razorback covering. Is this something that can be patched? Or am I going to need to have the stab recovered?

You can glue 3” strip of trim fabric and paint or glue rubber rock guard strip to leading edge. I would do the latter.

fantastic idea with the rock guard. Is that a legal product? Where can I find it?

My airplane had 4" leading edge tape on the horizontal stabilizer when I bought it:
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/produ ... joEALw_wcB

Maule Flight removed it when they rebuilt the airplane in 2010. There's a larger, thicker version for Cessnas:
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... part93.php

Don't know about the legality but it looks like a minor modification that an A&P can accomplish with a logbook entry.

3M 4” black tape model no 5-20339 will work if glued good and stretched tight.

Thanks guys

I've been using a 3M tape that works great for repairing rips. Once it's on it's very permanent and strong.

What model 3M tape do you use?
V/R
Smokey

This is what I use.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/produ ... oduct=3323

I ordered from the pegasus guys. Is the adhesive on the tape sufficient, or does glue need to be used too?

Don’t know! Normally need additional glue and clamp good on both ends to stretch good. Let us know please. Les

Here's the stuff I've been using. It's very strong and thin. Once it sticks it's permanent and can be painted. I don't know where it was purchased from, it came with the plane when I bought it. You still must follow 43.13 regs on how long a patch can be.

Is there actually something in 43.13 that describes using tape as a repair patch? That tape in the photo is indeed intended for aircraft, but it’s listed for duct and interior panel sealing. I’m not saying it wouldn’t work great, nor am I saying that I haven’t seen far more pedestrian tapes used for “temporary” repairs. I’m just asking a question based on the statement above about following 43.13.

I’ve never seen a tape only repair addressed in 43.13. More of a get it home repair.

Also have seen a fed look right at a tape repair and say nothing, though it was small and on the lower fuselage.

Kirk