PM Research Erosion Resistant Products

Since the installation of PM Research, Inc. masks is similar to applying a thick coat of paint, the PM Research, Inc. line of Erosion Protection Masks (boots) can be installed and the aircraft returned to service in the same manner as if it was just painted. Our products are not structural in nature and are not required to be FAA approved. We are not required to have a STC and we are not required to be PMA approved. Form 8130 is not required.

The erosion mask products are produced by PM Research Inc. in Wellsville, NY and are fully traceable. Certificates of Conformance are available.

The material is self-adhesive. The backing is peeled off and the product is installed wet; with a solution of distilled water, alcohol and dish washing liquid. This prevents the material from sticking until the location of perfect fit is located. The moisture is then pressed out with hands and also with a plastic squeegee. A trim line is established and the mask is trimmed with a sharp blade.

60% adhesion is obtained after 1 hour and near 100 percent after 24 hours. It is acceptable to fly 1 hour after installing a radome boot because the slip stream will hold it in position and not try to peel it off. For other products, with edges that are exposed to the force of the relative wind, a longer drying time is required.

Clean and wax periodically as required. We recommend that you use full strength Knight’s Spray Nine ® or full strength Ultra Mr. Clean ® to clean the mask (boot). Use a non-silicon based paste wax after each cleaning. Waxing will make cleaning easier and prevent bugs from staining.

Please note: Most waxes have a small amount of silicone to improve shine. These are OK! It is the silicone based waxes that should be avoided to prevent problems with painting the aircraft in the future.

The user should determine an appropriate schedule to check for damage (i.e., cuts, blisters, perforations, edge lifting, etc.) At the first sign of damage, the mask (boot) should be replaced with a replacement PM Research protective mask (boot).

Carefully score the top surface of the mask with a razor blade knife dissecting the mask (boot) into triangular pie-shaped sections approximately 4″ to 6″ at the base. Pull sections off at approximately a 180 degree angle.

If adhesive residue remains after removal of a mask (boot) from a painted surface, clean residue off with a rag saturated with a mixture of 75% MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) and a 25% toluene. Scrape residue off with a platic squeegee. Note: Follow the solvent manufacturer’s safe handling procedures to prevent possible damage to the painted surface. Be sure to check with the the paint manufacturer to make sure that this procedure will not affect the paint you are using in any way.

To remove residue from a PLASTIC LENS, DO NOT USE MEK (menthyl ethyl ketone) OR TOLUENE as they may damage the plastic. Use denatured solvent alcohol and some elbow grease.

Yes they do. PM Research products have been installed on the aircraft of more than 200 airlines through out the world. We have product installed on jet fighters, cargo planes, helicopters and UAV’s. The same tough material that is used on civil aircraft stays on military planes at Mach speed.

Since PM Research cannot control the installation of our products, we do not recommend they be used to protect prop blades. Improper installation might result in an “Out of Balance” situation. Considering the serious consequences which could result, ADDEV Materials and PM Research will not assume any risk or liability whatsoever in connection therewith.

The installation kit includes: an 11 page Shop Manual of instructions including photographs, a clean squirt bottle, a plastic squeegee, a water soluble marking pen and a spout cap for measuring dish washing liquid.

Yes, you will need the following items:

• 1/4 inch masking tape.
• Wetting solution consisting of 4 oz. Isopropyl alcohol, 70 percent by volume (common rubbing alcohol) 12 oz.
• Distilled water 21 drops of clear or white dishwashing liquid, regular strength, or 14 drops of concentrated.
• We will provide a dropper cap which will fit most US brands of dishwashing liquid.
• Razor Blade knife (New blade only)
• Paper towels (High quality, oil free, single ply only)
• Rubber hospital type gloves
• Non-silicon based automotive paste wax

For installation over stripes or on a new or freshly polished lens:

• 600-1500 grit sandpaper
• A sanding block
• Rubbing compound
• Scissors or tin snips
• Spray bottle and plastic squeegee are provided