Steve Uzochukwu <<steveu3>>
writes:

The microlight (ultralite) community in the UK is facing a number
of premature failures of sails. Some aircraft have had their sails fail at a
little as 350 hours and five years. "Failure" is determined by the annual
inspections which involve a Betts test of the sail cloth and stitching.

Initial evidence indicates that the issue may be restricted to one manufacturer,
who is no longer involved in the hang gliding market. However, the cause for
alarm is not only that manufacturer, but who else might have used that source of
sail cloth.

Here is the thread started by Gwyn, who is pushing for more work to be done and
the issue to be investigated:

http://forums.bmaa.org/default.aspx?f=15&m=102388

Here the BMAA (British Ultralite Association) is also concerned:

http://forums.bmaa.org/default.aspx?f=15&m=103488

Here also the threat of stitching failing is raised:

http://forums.bmaa.org/default.aspx?f=15&m=102475

Is this a problem that could affect hang gliding? Will the tugs we use need new
sails? A sail could cost £3,000 (US$5,000) and could be a big cost for a tow
group.

Of course, microlights get left rigged, but so do HG in some parts of the US.

Any comments from readers, manufacturers or any tables of manufacturers of
ultralites/hang gliders and cloths used?