What is GORE™ SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant?
GORE™ SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant is a non-curing, non-hazardous form-in-place sealant. This product can be installed and maintained more efficiently than any other sealant method, and it is the lightest weight sealant on the market. This revolutionary material provides excellent protection against corrosion, water ingress, and other environmental influences, including fuels and oils. GORE® SKYFLEX™ Aircraft Sealants are highly reliable gaskets that can be formed in place with none of the problems found with other sealing methods. GORE® SKYFLEX™ Aircraft Sealant remains flexible and compliant over many panel and installation cycles.
How do I install GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant ?
GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant is easy to install. First, remove the old sealant, perform any necessary repairs to the panel and structure (including painting, priming or surface treatments) and clean the surface area. Second, apply GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant tape to the panel or structure, remove the paper backing covering the adhesive and press sealant down to activate the pressure sensitive adhesive. Third, overlap the sealant at the corners and stopping/starting point. Fourth, pre-punch fastener holes. Because the sealant has no cure time and is reusable, aircraft down time is minimized. For detailed instructions see GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant Training Manual
How much time is required for GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant to cure?
None, zero. GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant requires no cure time. Install the sealant, reinstall the panel, and the aircraft is ready to fly. No waiting 6-48 hours for liquid sealants to cure while your aircraft sits idle. For more information about the time savings GORE™ SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant offers see Installation Time Analysis for GORE® SKYFLEX™ Aircraft Sealant
Is GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant really reusable?
Yes. GORE™ SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant is reusable unless the sealant has been damaged during installation or removal. If the sealant is only damaged in one area, frequently this area can be repaired by removing and replacing the damaged area with new sealant.
What aircraft are authorized to use GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant?
GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant is authorized to be used on a variety of aircraft ranging from military to commercial and fixed wing to rotary wing. For a current list of military technical approvals for the use of GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant see Military Technical Approvals for GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant. For a current list of commercial technical approvals authorizing the use of GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant see Commercial Technical Approvals for GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant
What applications can GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant be used on?
GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant can be used on windows, access panels, floorboards, fuel areas, engine cowlings, environmental areas, fairings and applications needing high strength.
Are there different types of GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant?
Yes, the sealant is available in a variety of forms, thicknesses, and widths. It is available in a fuel sealant grade and in an environmental sealant grade, depending upon your application. GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant is available in the following forms: ribbed tape, flat tape, die-cut gaskets, and fuel sealant. Each form is also available in a variety of thicknesses and widths. Fuel resistant sealant is available in two types: GORE® SKYFLEX® OP Fuel Resistant Sealant and GORE® SKYFLEX® Fuel Resistant Sealant. The difference between the two fuel resistant sealants is the operating temperature range and the maximum width of the material. GORE® SKYFLEX® OP Fuel Resistant Sealant operates from -65 °C to + 90 °C and is available in a maximum width of 60 inches (152.4 cm). While GORE® SKYFLEX® Fuel Resistant Sealant operates from -65 °C to +180 °C and is available in a maximum width of 18 inches (45.7 cm). For assistance with determining the correct sealant for your application please Contact Us.
How do I know which sealant to use for my application?
Consult your aircraft's structural repair manual for approved sealants. Contact Us for more information or engineering assistance.
What hazmat procedures must I follow when using GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant?
None. GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant is a non-hazardous material that does not require any special handling requirements. Scrap or removed material can be discarded with regular garbage. The only tools required for installation of GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant are scissors, non-metal scrapper, awl or equivalent tool, and a tape measure, optional.
What is the temperature range of GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant?
The temperature range of GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant depends upon the type of sealant used. Non-fuel sealant operates from -240 °C to +260 °C. GORE® SKYFLEX® Fuel Resistant Sealant operates from -65 °C to +180 °C and GORE® SKYFLEX® OP Fuel Resistant Sealant operates from -65 °C to + 90 °C.
What is the shelf life of GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant?
GORE™ SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant has different shelf lives depending on whether the sealant has adhesive on it or if it is a fuel grade sealant. Non-fuel grade sealants without adhesive have an unlimited shelf life. Non-fuel grade and fuel grade sealants with adhesive have a two year shelf life. Fuel grade sealants without adhesive have a shelf life of over 10 years.
Can GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant be used on non-aircraft applications?
Gore does not recommend using GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant on non-aircraft applications. Gore does manufacture other sealants for non-aircraft use.
Where do I purchase GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant?
GORE® SKYFLEX® Aircraft Sealant can be purchased directly from Gore, or from an Authorized Distributor.